Eagles GM explains letting star player Jaelan Phillips walk in free agency

Roseman says team is comfortable with decision despite Phillips becoming highest-paid free agent

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the explosive movements and tackles of a football player, with the vibrant colors of the Philadelphia Eagles and their opponent team, conveying the dynamic energy and strategic complexities of the sport.The departure of star player Jaelan Phillips leaves the Philadelphia Eagles with a significant roster hole to fill, as they navigate the complex personnel decisions of the NFL offseason.Philadelphia Today

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has explained the team's decision to let star player Jaelan Phillips leave in free agency, despite Phillips becoming the NFL's highest-paid free agent. Roseman says the team is comfortable with the decision, though the loss of Phillips is a significant one for the Eagles.

Why it matters

The departure of a star player like Phillips is always a major event for an NFL team, as it can significantly impact the team's roster and performance. Roseman's comments provide insight into the team's thinking and rationale behind letting Phillips go, which will be of great interest to Eagles fans and the broader NFL community.

The details

Jaelan Phillips was a standout player for the Eagles, emerging as one of the league's top defensive players during his time in Philadelphia. However, the team ultimately decided not to match the lucrative contract offer he received in free agency, allowing him to sign with another team and become the NFL's highest-paid free agent this offseason.

  • Jaelan Phillips left the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency in March 2026.

The players

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jaelan Phillips

A star defensive player who left the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency to sign the highest-paid contract for a free agent this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're comfortable with the decision we made. Jaelan is a great player, but we felt it was the right move for our team.”

— Howie Roseman, General Manager, Philadelphia Eagles

The takeaway

The Eagles' decision to let Jaelan Phillips leave in free agency, despite him becoming the highest-paid free agent, highlights the difficult personnel decisions NFL teams must make to balance their roster and salary cap. Roseman's comments suggest the team believes it can withstand the loss of Phillips, but the impact of his departure will be closely watched by Eagles fans and the league.