Somewhere in football heaven, we imagine three Philadelphia Eagles legends have found one another. Buddy Ryan, Bud Carson, and Jim Johnson are probably looking down from their Veterans Stadium in the sky.

We imagine they’re discussing the job Vic Fangio is doing. We imagine they’re smiling. Well… Everyone except for Coach Ryan… But even though none of those guys have ever been ‘bubbly’ per se, they’re probably in awe of what is being built in the City of Brotherly Love.

Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun have figured this thing out. Jihaad Campbell, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell have played like veterans who are more experienced than their ages suggest they should be, but how about the new guy? Jaelan Phillips feels like an Eagle that Ryan, Carson, and Johnson would have loved to get their hands on.

Eagles‘ Jaelan Phillips has been a breath of fresh air.

When was the last time the Eagles added a guy at the trade deadline, and he had this level of immediate impact? Jay Ajayi had that long run and score in 2017, but as exciting as he was at times, Jaelan Phillips is even more so.

In two games, Phillips has helped the cause with 11 tackles. Six were of the solo variety, and two resulted in a loss of yardage. He has tallied a sack. He seemingly creates pressure at will. He has come up with drive-ending plays, including a stop on fourth down and a fumble recovery.

Coach Fangio said it best. When you shop at Nordstrom, you get good stuff. Phillips has been a ball of positivity and the infectious energy that this fan base has been searching for.

Jaelan Phillips is doubling down 😂

(via @SNFonNBC) pic.twitter.com/7o5jkb5L6r

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2025

The fit seemed obvious before it even happened. He was a former Vic Fangio pupil. Then, rumors began swirling that Philadelphia might be able to land him at a bargain price.

Well, he’s here now, and he has doubled down on the statement that landing with the Eagles has been the best thing to happen to him. The love has most certainly been reciprocated.

We’ll make a statement and stand by it. This is another excellent move by Howie Roseman and the best addition we’ve seen added by the Eagles at the trade deadline during his tenure as general manager.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jaelan Phillips has been a much-needed boost in a rocky Eagles season