When it comes to teams that could be in the market for an edge rusher ahead of the NFL trade deadline, the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all come to mind.
The Cowboys foolishly traded away Micah Parsons, which has been a significant blow to the team's pass-rush, as expected. Dallas currently has four sacks through three games, which just isn't going to cut it.
The 49ers are in rough shape after losing Nick Bosa to a season-ending torn ACL that will negatively impact their ability to get after the quarterback. San Fran was already having issues in that department, with the team having just five sacks.
In Tampa Bay, the loss of rookie outside linebacker David Walker to a torn ACL has impacted the team's depth and could force the Bucs to make an addition at some point.
One player all three teams should be keeping an eye on is Miami Dolphins EDGE Jaelan Phillips, who was recently suggested as a possible trade target for Dallas, San Francisco and Tampa Bay by Pro Football & Sports Network's Josh Weil.
I am among those who did not see this coming from the Miami Dolphins, and if they don’t see this season going to a playoff appearance, they have shown a willingness to pack it in and really commit to a tank. If that is the case, a guy like Phillips is someone teams will call about and could potentially get into a bidding war over. He has recorded 23 sacks in 49 career games, and if he is healthy for the stretch run, he can be a difference-maker that brings a team over the hump.
Potential suitors: Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Phillips showed a ton of promise early on in his career, with 22 of his 23 career sacks coming over his first three seasons (42 games) in the NFL.
However, injuries have derailed him since then, with Phillips suffering an Achilles tear in 2023 and a torn ACL in 2024. However, Phillips is now healthy and looking to get his career back on track, although he has yet to register a sack in 2025.
The Dolphins are off to an 0-3 start and major changes could be coming in 2026 if things don't drastically improve. If Miami is out of it at the trade deadline, which seems likely to happen, they could look to deal Phillips, who will be a free agent next year.
In terms of compensation, we'd project a mid-round pick will be enough to acquire Phillips from the Dolphins, although that price could go up if Phillips starts producing more.
Considering their respective 3-0 starts, the Bucs and 49ers figure to be in contention at the trade deadline, thus they could make a play for Phillips.
The Cowboys are far less of a certainty thanks to their 1-2 start and if they don't turn things around over the next handful of weeks, they might actually be sellers, which would obviously take them out of the running for any significant additions.
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