With the recent losses of defensive talent, the Detroit Lions are being linked to a top edge defender who could help strengthen the depleted roster.

As noted by Gilberto Manzano and Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated, Jaelan Phillips, a pass rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles, is among the top free-agent edge defenders available on the market and could potentially land with the Lions.

Phillips is ranked as the No. 3 edge rusher. In his career, he has played 63 games, recording 205 total tackles and 28 sacks. Currently playing under the banner of the Eagles after joining the team in 2025, he appeared in 8 games and registered 28 total tackles and 2 sacks.

At 26 years old, Jaelan Phillips had a tough time dealing with his injuries, suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2023 and a torn ACL in 2024. However, he showed improved form in 2025, finishing with 5 sacks, 53 total tackles, and 14 quarterback hits.

According to The Athletic, Jaelan Phillips’ projected market value could reach up to $98 million in over four years.

"Contract projection: 4 years, $98 million," The Athletic shared. “Age: 27 Height: 6-5 Weight: 263. Phillips is a young, ascending edge rusher who finished fourth in pressure rate last season among players with at least 250 pass-rush snaps,” they further added. 

“Phillips is a young, ascending edge rusher who finished fourth in pressure rate last season among players with at least 250 pass-rush snaps,” the Athletic shared. “He was traded from the Dolphins to the Eagles at the deadline for a third-round pick, and he had an immediate impact on the Philadelphia front.

Continuing in their report, the Athletic quoted, “He is an explosive athlete with a violent play style. He has short-area burst as a rusher, particularly when he drives to the inside on swim moves.”

Based on other sources, NFL.com ranks Phillips as the No. 2 overall free agent of the offseason. On the other hand, ESPN has Phillips at No. 3, and Sports Illustrated has Phillips at No. 6.

Why the Detroit Lions would make sense

Following head coach Dan Campbell’s “positional duos” philosophy, pairing Phillips with Aidan Hutchinson, who recorded 11.5 sacks and 101 pressures in 2024, could give Detroit two explosive edge rushers on opposite sides of the line.

Detroit’s defense relies heavily on edge pressure to create sacks and turnovers. With Hutchinson drawing double teams on most snaps, adding another proven rusher like Jaelan Phillips could force offenses to spread protection across the line.

As the Athletic notes, “He is an explosive athlete with a violent play style. He has short-area burst as a rusher, particularly when he drives to the inside on swim moves.”

“He is a physical edge setter in the run game who can dominate tight ends in one-on-one situations. Phillips also has real coverage ability, which can allow defensive coordinators to get creative with their blitz and simulated pressure calls,” mentions the Athletic.

After losing two defensive pieces, the Lions’ potential link to Phillips could be either a big upgrade or a risky move for Detroit. Share your take in the comments below.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Joyita Das