The NFL playoffs will begin in just a few days, with the Los Angeles Chargers going on the road to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots.
While that matchup has yet to play out and neither team is yet eliminated from the playoffs, it is never too early to predict where free agents will end up.
An NFL analyst named his top 50 free agents for the upcoming free agency and their potential suitors, with the Bolts being named as a landing spot for a former first-round pick.
Analyst Names Bolts Suitor For $14 Million Defender
GettyThe Chargers could add some help in their defensive front
The Chargers’ defense has been one of the underrated best this season. The defense is allowing 20 per game (ninth-fewest in the league) and the 285.2 total yards per contest (fifth-fewest).
However, LA could revamp its defense by adding a former first-round pick from the 2021 draft and creating more pressure.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox names the Chargers as a potential suitor for Philadelphia Eagles EDGE rusher Jaelan Phillips.
“Few players boosted their stock over the second half of the season quite like Jaelan Phillips,” Knox wrote. “A 2021 first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, Phillips tallied 22 sacks over his first two-and-a-half seasons before injuries became a significant issue. He was traded to Philadelphia at the 2025 deadline, and he quickly regained his early elite form.”
“Though Phillips only logged two sacks with the Eagles this past season, he recorded 17 quarterback pressures, four tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He wasted no time adapting to Vic Fangio’s defense and becoming a legitimate difference-maker for Philly.”
According to Pro Football Focus, the EDGE rusher has an 18% pass-rush win rate this season and received the 25th highest pass-rush grade from the publication.
With Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree in the latter stages of their careers and an undefined future and Odafe Oweh set to be a free agent after the end of the season, with no clear talks about extending the player, adding Phillips gives the Bolts some youth in the pass rush game.
With third-year EDGE rusher Tuli Tuipulotu having the best season yet, recording 13 sacks, the sixth-most in the league, having someone of equal caliber opposite him can create many chances to take down opposing QBs.
In his five-year career so far, Phillips has registered 28 sacks, 11 pass deflections and 205 total tackles.
Main Concern Of Jaelan Phillips
GettyJaelan Phillips played five seasons with the Miami Dolphins
While Jaelan Phillips has been performing well this season, his injury history could deter some teams from making calls.
In back-to-back seasons, the former Miami Hurricane suffered season-ending injuries, only playing 12 games in two seasons. While he played every single regular season game this season,
“Phillips’ injury history will likely lead to an incentive-laden deal that gives his next employer some insurance against another stretch of missed time—he played just 12 games between 2023 and 2024. However, the 26-year-old will be the top edge-defender on a lot of boards,” Knox wrote for B/R.
The NFL analyst projected that Phillips will receive a three-year, $80 million contract in the 2026 offseason.
If Phillips can remain healthy like he did this season, he could be in line for a major payday when free agency opens up. The Bolts are set to have more than $100 million in cap space and could easily offer the pass rusher a handsome contract.
Chargers Named Suitor For Former First Round Draft Pick