After being acquired during the preseason, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips emerged as a leader both on and off the field for the New York Jets during a rough 2025 season.

Now, ahead of the 2026 season, he is in an interesting contractual situation with the team.

Harrison Phillips’ situation with the Jets

Phillips is under contract with the Jets through 2026, with a cap hit of $7.5 million this season. However, the catch is that none of that money is guaranteed, meaning the Jets can waive him without owing any dead money and create $7.5 million in cap space.

With the bulk of notable free agents already signed, it would be near-meaningless for the Jets to waive Phillips. He was a huge contributor for the Jets last season, both production-wise and in terms of leadership.

However, both sides should certainly explore restructuring the deal.

Overall, the current deal isn’t beneficial for either side. Phillips doesn’t have any guaranteed money under the current contract, which is a dicey situation for a veteran defensive lineman. On the other hand, the Jets should be looking to retain Phillips on a multi-year deal after last season.

A restructure seems to be the wisest and most likely route.

The Jets should look to agree on a deal with Phillips and his representation where they can add a few more years onto the contract, pretty much an extension, while guaranteeing a solid portion of the money with a reduced cap hit.

It could be something similar to what the team did with veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley ahead of the 2024 season.

Beyond his off-field value, which is sky-high, the veteran DT is also a solid contributor against the run. His 76.2 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranked sixth among 134 defensive tackles. However, his lack of pass-rush impact (1 QB hit in 17 starts) limits his value, which could entice the Jets to reduce his snaps and lower his cap hit.

After the Jets’ offseason additions at DT, including T’Vondre Sweat, David Onyemata, and Darrell Jackson Jr., Phillips can slide into a more limited role where he doesn’t have to be an every-down player and instead is a rotational guy deployed in situations that fit his strengths.

Regardless of what the contractual language is, one thing is clear: the Jets must keep Phillips around.