For the last 14 years, the New York Jets have watched their AFC East rivals reach the playoffs multiple times. The Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins have all built quality teams to varying degrees of success.

Gang Green, meanwhile, has finished with a record above .500 just once during that same span—making the idea of Jets history a tough one to stomach. But as New York continues through its own rebuilding process with a new regime, it seems like the Jets are finally about to have some company in the damp basement.

When the Dolphins and longtime general manager Chris Grier “parted ways” this week, a clear sign was sent around the league: The Fish are open for business as the trade deadline draws closer.

Veteran edge rusher Jaelan Phillips appears to be the top name bandied about in league circles.

Jaelan Phillips to Philly?

A former 18th overall pick out of USC, Phillips has never recorded a 10-sack season or come close to a Pro Bowl. He is a free agent after this season and is still just 26 years old.

But in a league full of contenders in need of pass-rush help, the Dolphins’ edge rusher may soon have a new home with the defending champs.

As reported by NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe on Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles have been in conversations with the Dolphins regarding Phillips.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio previously worked with the edge rusher during his lone season in Miami. The fit in Philadelphia seems too easy to predict.

The questions, though, revolve around compensation.

“Philly wanted Miami to pick up some of JP’s money for the rest of the year. Dolphins want a Day 2 pick back,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Sunday morning. “We’ll see.”

Philadelphia is set to have three third-round picks going into the 2026 NFL draft. The Eagles have plenty of flexibility to facilitate a trade of this magnitude.

If the Eagles and Dolphins can come to terms by Tuesday’s deadline, it would be a move the Jets should be thrilled to see as they look ahead to the end of the 2025 season and beyond.

Jets deadline impact

In six games against the Jets, Phillips has recorded 12 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery for the Dolphins. He has been a thorn in Gang Green’s side since being drafted in 2021.

New York’s young tackle duo of Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou played admirably in a Week 4 contest against Phillips and the Dolphins’ pass rush.

The Jets may have lost 27-21, but Phillips recorded only two tackles. He did not register a sack or even a pressure.

Booting a talented young player from the division is an excellent move for the Jets organization.

Miami currently sits at 2-7, just a single win better than the Jets. A rebuild appears on the horizon in South Florida, just as it does in Florham Park.

With where each team stands, though, it appears the Jets may be in a slightly better situation moving forward than the Dolphins.

Philadelphia already helped the Jets by acquiring Michael Carter in exchange for John Metchie last week. They might do the franchise an even bigger favor if they acquire Phillips.