Writer Names AFC East Pass Rusher As Trade Fit For Patriots

The New England Patriots currently lead the AFC East with an impressive 6-2 record and have their sights set on the postseason.

New England could improve by increasing its ability to pressure the quarterback, and the Patriots would benefit from bringing in a solid pass rusher.

Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan suggests that Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips could be a potential trade fit for the Patriots.

“Jaelan Phillips from Miami, Premium player at a premium position,” Callahan said on Monday, via Patriots on CLNS. “26, his market will be depressed because of his injury history.”

Phillips is currently in his fifth season, and when he takes the field, he performs well, tallying 25 sacks in 54 games. However, the 26-year-old pass rusher faced significant challenges the last two seasons. Phillips missed nine games in 2023 because he suffered three different injuries: a lower lumbar sprain, an abdominal muscle strain and an Achilles injury. Things didn’t get much better in 2024; he missed 14 games after tearing his ACL.

Phillips has appeared in eight games this season, which suggests he might have put his injury troubles behind him.

Typically, teams within the same division don’t trade with each other. Since the Dolphins are currently 2-6 and Phillips is set to become a free agent after the season, Miami might trade him to New England if it receives the best offer.