Eagles Reportedly Targeting Pair of Star Pass Rushers Ahead of Trade Deadline
After suffering a pair of surprising losses, the Philadelphia Eagles got back on track in Week 8 with a victory over the New York Giants. Considering how the Giants were one of the teams that had beaten the Eagles during their recent two-game losing streak, it was encouraging to see Philly extract some revenge on its way to getting back in the win column.
However, it’s clear this team has some glaring areas of need as the trade deadline draws near, and the expectation across the league is that they could be busy over the next few days. The Eagles have been hit hard by injuries along their defensive line, and according to some recent rumors, it sounds like they are targeting a pair of star AFC East pass rushers on the trade market.
Eagles Pursuing Jaelan Phillips, Jermaine Johnson Trades
The Eagles have inquired about two AFC East pass rushers: Miami’s Jaelan Phillips and New York’s Jermaine Johnson.
Philadelphia remains interested in adding a pass rusher ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
t.co/udXsXx4RTR
Just last season, the Eagles’ front seven on defense was a big reason why they prevailed in Super Bowl LIX. This season, though, has been a different story. Several key players have been forced to miss time with injuries, and Za’Darius Smith abruptly retired last month. Getting Brandon Graham to come out of retirement and rejoin the team certainly helps, but he’s really only a situational pass rusher at this stage of the game.
With more help needed beyond the return of Graham, the Eagles have been pursuing several of the top defensive line targets on the trade market. Two guys who have stood out to their front office are Jaelan Phillips of the Miami Dolphins and Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets, and with the deadline drawing near, their pursuit of both guys appears to be ramping up.
Phillips and Johnson are appealing trade targets for similar reasons. Both guys are former first-round picks who have battled injuries throughout their careers, but when they are healthy and on the field, they both have been wildly productive. Add in the fact that the Dolphins and Jets are among the worst teams in the league, and an attractive trade offer could convince them to move off of these guys.
“The Eagles have inquired about two AFC East pass rushers: Miami’s Jaelan Phillips and New York’s Jermaine Johnson,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported. “Philadelphia remains interested in adding a pass rusher ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.”
Should the Eagles Trade for Jaelan Phillips, Jermaine Johnson?
Any help Philadelphia can get along its defensive line has to be considered if the team is serious in its quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions. However, there is some risk that must be considered when it comes to trading for either Phillips or Johnson. As noted above, both guys have dealt with injuries throughout their careers, and while Johnson has one year left on his rookie deal, Phillips is scheduled to hit free agency this upcoming offseason.
It’s a seller’s market this year, which means that the asking price is going to be high for these guys. General manager Howie Roseman is perhaps the most aggressive executive across the league when it comes to trades, though, and if he comes across a deal he likes, there’s no doubt he’ll pull the trigger. With that in mind, it will be worth keeping tabs on both Phillips and Johnson to see if the Eagles swing a deal for one of them before the deadline.
Vikings’ JJ McCarthy Makes Feelings Clear on NFL Debut vs Bears
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy may only be 22 years old, the youngest starting quarterback heading into Week 1, but he’s certain he’s battle-tested.
Approaching his first career NFL start on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, McCarthy made his feelings on the matchup clear, touting his readiness after missing his entire rookie season due to a meniscus injury.
“Most prepared I’ve felt in my life,” McCarthy said in a September 3 news conference, adding that he’s prepared with backup Carson Wentz for all the variables that could come into play for a season opener. “You never really know what you’re going to get… so the most important thing is just staying locked into the simple things, locked into what my job is that play, and then reacting to what the defense is giving me. But very prepared and very confident.”
https://x.com/trevordsquire/status/1963595735611719850
Born and raised in La Grange, Illinois, McCarthy’s return to Soldier Field is sure to conjure some butterflies. However, he said the jump from high school to playing at Michigan was more intense.
“It really doesn’t [compare], to be honest with you,” McCarthy said. “Just playing so many big games at Michigan, obviously, it’s a different level here. But just having those reps of those emotions that you feel,
J.J. McCarthy Explains Handling the Emotions of First NFL Start
As a high schooler, McCarthy transferred to Florida prep powerhouse IMG Academy before the global pandemic. Away from his home, McCarthy adopted a meditation practice and mindfulness to handle the anxieties of the time.
Those habits followed him to Michigan, where he led the Wolverines to an undefeated national championship season before he was selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft.
Ahead of Monday night’s primetime matchup, McCarthy showed his intent to remain poised despite the emotions that will come.
“I just try to be completely present. There’s going to be anxiousness, excitement and a whole lot of adrenaline. At the end of the day, that’s completely normal, and accepting those emotions, you’re able to let go of them a lot quicker than trying to deflect them and avoid them,” he said. “I know I’m going to be amped up, but I know that Coach O’Connell’s going to put me in a great position and my teammates around me are going to do everything they can to make sure we’re successful each and every play.
“It’s just stay present, stay calm and centered.”
https://x.com/trevordsquire/status/1963610708425212141
Bears’ Caleb Williams Addresses Budding Rivalry With Vikings’ JJ McCarthy
As the Vikings and Bears reset at the quarterback position in the 2024 draft, many acknowledged the potential for what could be a decade-long rivalry between McCarthy and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
The two first-rounders are slated for their first-ever meeting on Monday, which could set the stage for just that.
As a rookie, Williams went 5-12 as a starter for a Bears team that saw its head coach and offensive coordinator fired. He threw for 3,541 yards passing, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions despite the dysfunction.
While Williams is not familiar with McCarthy, he did not discount McCarthy’s ability to compete and the potential for a rivalry.
“I don’t necessarily know McCarthy… but I know he’s a competitor,” Williams said on Wednesday, September 3. He’s won some games at the college level and won a national championship. He’s a competitor.
“The rivalry part of it, we’ll have to see.”
