Patriots Target Jaelan Phillips for Pass Rush Boost

0:005. Here's your NFL news in 2 minutes. Subscribe to stay locked in all season. The New England Patriots face a busy free agency with needs at edge rusher, wide receiver offensive line, linebacker anti-dend. One top target to fix their pass rush is Jalen Phillips, a 6-foot-5, 266-pound edge player from the Philadelphia Eagles. He's turning 27 in May and posted 5-sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and 78 tackles for loss over 17 games last season. The Patriots current edge group includes Harold Landry III, Elijah Ponder, and Braden Swinson, who they plan to keep. K-Levon, Shason, and Anthony Jennings might depart, leaving room for a high-upside addition without a massive overhaul. Fans and analysts see Phillips as a perfect fit because he's excelled when healthy, with three seasons topping 5-sacks and 7 tackles for loss. While playing 70% of snaps, he impacts both the pass rush and run defense, exactly what

1:01New England lacks. That said, signing him could cost around $23 million per year on average, eating up cap space needed elsewhere. Experts suggest cheaper options like Al Quadine-Mahamed or Malcolm Cohen's, plus drafting a young talent early. Still, Phillips lists the Eagles, Patriots, and Buccaneers as best fits, and with smart spending, New England could land him to boost their contention, chances this off-season. Dean and his brought to you by our sponsor. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense, S-O-L-I-S-E-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.