Raiders need to swoop in if Eagles move on from vaunted pass rusher

Addressing the lack of a pass rush needs to be atop Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek’s priorities this offseason. It just so happens that a recent Super Bowl championship team could facilitate that.

Formerly the 18th overall pick back in 2021, Jaelan Phillips struggled mightily to stay healthy for a consistent period. So much so, the organization gave up on him, shipping him off to the Philadelphia Eagles. Once there, Phillips finally put everything together.

With the Eagles alone, he started eight games and recorded two sacks, four tackles for a loss, and four pass deflections. It’s a solid stat line that, while it won’t blow some fans away, is notable nonetheless. The Raiders need youth and explosiveness along their defensive line; Phillips gives you that. Yes, there are injury concerns, but he’s still only 26 years old. The talent has always been present; there’s a reason he was such a mid-round selection on Day 1 of the draft.

Jaelan Phillips would come cheap…

Unlike Trey Hendrickson, a deal with Phillips would surely cost Spytek far less, and because of his age, the Raiders could tack on some years to sweeten the deal through financial security. A lot of this for the Raiders will be predicated on whether Eagles general manager Howie Roseman lets Phillips walk. For now, it’s a situation worth monitoring.

One thing that’s certainly in the Raiders’ favor is the financial flexibility they have this upcoming offseason. Spytek has shown he’ll look for deals wherever they may exist, Phillips, and for his part, shouldn’t exactly break the bank. That could be a scenario where the Raiders help Phillips truly reach his peak playing alongside Maxx Crosby.

It’s time that the Raiders truly embraced a youth movement; why not start with Phillips on defense? Raider Nation, what do you think?