The NFL's store shelves aren't exactly well-stocked coming into the trade deadline for the 2025 season, especially at premium positions, and now they're even thinner with the Philadelphia Eagles taking one of the few big(ger) ticket items off the shelf. That's bad news for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Miami Dolphins have officially traded pass rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles in exchange for a third-round draft choice. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter broke the news on Monday morning.
It's no surprise to see the Eagles going all-in on the second half of the season. General manager Howie Roseman has never shied away from a major acquisition, and the Eagles are the reigning champs. They're facing serious defensive concerns on the roster, but with a chance to chase another title and cement themselves as the NFL's new superpower, Roseman is pushing his chips into the middle of the table.
It was always a long shot for the Chiefs, but the Eagles just removed one of the few big-ticket items from the NFL's shelves.
Phillips is just the latest addition to the defense in the last few days for the Eagles, who also dealt for two cornerbacks in Jaire Alexander (from the Green Bay Packers) and MIchael Carter (from the New York Jets).
As for the Chiefs, this further deflates the optimism for importing anyone of substance into the mix up front. Josh Allen had a field day on Sunday in a Week 9 loss that sent Kansas City to a 5-4 record before the bye, staring up at the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers from a third-place position in the AFC West. The Chiefs failed to apply consistent pressure, and Allen picked apart their defense as a result, achieving an 88 percent completion rate.
The Chiefs were rumored to be in the market for defensive line help, and that goes for both the outside and the interior. The Chiefs are lacking inside, despite having signed Mike Pennel (again) to help bolster the run defense. The loss of rookie Omarr Norman-Lott inside creates a need for depth and talent.
On the outside, the Chiefs watched Felix Anudike-Uzomah head to injured reserve before the start of the season, and the results of Charles Omenihu outside have been lacking. George Karlaftis is a capable pass rusher, but K.C. has failed to generate real pressure without blitzing against tougher opponents again and again. The Bills game is just the latest example of that.
Without Phillips, the market is now pretty barren in terms of options. The Dolphins also have Bradley Chubb but he's far too expensive for the Chiefs. The Jets have Jermaine Johnson available, but they're reportedly searching for exorbitant returns on any of their players (e.g. running back Breece Hall). From there, the Chiefs have to wonder just how much they'll really get from an older player trying to learn Steve Spagnuolo's system.
If the Chiefs make a deal, they might find themselves prying Arden Key away from the Tennessee Titans or even Cam Jordan from the New Orleans Saints. But the idea of adding a difference-maker was always a stretch and now Phillips is off the table. Where Brett Veach can look next is anybody's guess.