The Washington Commanders have money to blow and face a pivotal offseason. Having an abundance of salary cap space allows them to target big fish in free agency, like Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jaelan Phillips.
Phillips is considered one of, if not the best free-agent pass rushers. He will have no shortage of suitors as a high-level option at a premium position, with the Eagles vying to retain him. However, the Commanders have the spending power to meet his demands while strong-arming their NFC East foe, and ESPN's Dan Graziano predicts that will happen.
Graziano projected the contract values and landing spots of the top 20 players set to hit the open market on March 11. He has Phillips signing a four-year, $92 million contract with $32 million guaranteed to leave the Eagles for the Commanders.
NFL insider forecasts Commanders to pry Jaelan Phillips from Eagles in free agency
Talk about a double whammy. Not only does Graziano foresee Washington making a significant move to bolster their front seven, but he has them doing so at Philadelphia's expense. It'd be a massive win for Commanders general manager Adam Peters, who's notably gotten the best of the Eagles' top executive, Howie Roseman, before.
Philadelphia has "at least some interest in trying to keep" Phillips, but "it's also possible a division rival snatches him away," according to Graziano. The 2021 first-round pick was a difference-maker after the Eagles acquired him from the Miami Dolphins midseason, and the Commanders ostensibly took notice too.
It appears that Phillips made a lasting impression on the Eagles in a brief time with the club, and understandably so. He was fourth in the league in hurries (39) and sixth in total pressures (51) from Week 8 — his team debut — on. With that in mind, seeing him don the burgundy and gold would be even sweeter.
Turning 27 in May, Phillips' services will be in demand. His combination of age, draft pedgiree, and proven upside make him a primary target for any squad with a lack of edge presence on defense, like Washington. He won't come cheap, though, which could work in their favor when bidding against the allure of staying with a perennial contender such as Philly.
Yet, Phillips may get a chance to have his cake and it eat it too. The Commanders can pay him and be legitimate contenders following a down 2025 campaign. The franchise is two seasons removed from a conference championship game, so it's not far-fetched to think they can make noise in 2026.