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

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.

BREAKING: “You Don’t Act Like That in My Locker Room!” — Geno Smith’s Explosive Message Shakes Raiders Facility

The Las Vegas Raiders’ practice facility erupted in tension Thursday morning after a heated confrontation between star quarterback Geno Smith and a rookie teammate — a moment that stunned the locker room and underscored the Raiders’ demand for accountability under head coach Josh McDaniels.

According to multiple team sources, the incident began when a first-year player showed up late to practice after spending the previous night out partying. What could have been a minor disciplinary issue quickly escalated when Smith — one of the most respected voices in the locker room — confronted the rookie head-on in front of the team, delivering a passionate message that left the room silent.

“You think this is college? You show up late because you partied last night? That’s not football — that’s disrespect,” Smith reportedly barked. “I don’t care who you are — this team bleeds for each other. You don’t act like that in my locker room.”

Players described the scene as “intense and emotional.” One veteran told ESPN, “Geno doesn’t raise his voice often, but when he does, everyone listens. He’s not calling you out to humiliate you — he’s doing it to wake you up.”

Smith’s fiery words came after weeks of frustration from team leaders who felt that some younger players were losing focus amid the Raiders’ strong start to the season. As the team prepares for a playoff push, maintaining discipline has become a top priority — and Smith made it clear that standards come before egos.

Head coach Josh McDaniels later addressed the situation, reportedly backing Smith’s stance. “We have a culture of accountability here,” McDaniels said during his press conference. “If you want to wear the silver and black, you do things the right way — every single day.”

Inside the locker room, Smith’s outburst resonated deeply. As one assistant coach put it, “Geno sets the tone — not just with his play, but with his preparation. He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t need to talk much, but when he does, it changes the temperature in the room.”

The rookie later issued a formal apology to the team, acknowledging that his actions didn’t reflect the Raiders’ standard of professionalism. But the moment will likely stick as a defining one for the locker room — a reminder that the Raiders’ resurgence is built on discipline and unity.

For Smith, the message was simple: the Raiders’ identity is forged in hard work, not excuses. His outburst wasn’t about anger — it was about protecting a culture he helped build.

As Las Vegas turns its focus toward Week 9, one thing is clear: the Raiders are not just playing for wins — they’re playing for accountability. And Geno Smith made sure everyone knows what that means.

Continue reading