Despite their 2-0 impressive start, the Los Angeles Chargers are at risk of losing their top linebacker, Khalil Mack, due to a brutal injury. According to the breaking news, the team dominated Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders, but that came with losing one of their better defensive playmakers, as Mack is heading in for testing to check on the severity of his elbow injury. However, the replay cameras caught how gruesome it was, and it’s not looking good for the Chargers veteran as he had high expectations heading into the new season on a new contract after contemplating retirement this past offseason. If he does plan to miss multiple games, the Chargers should be in the market in trading for another reliable linebacker that can fill the void.
Even though the Chargers have one of the deepest linebacker rooms, including Troy Dye, Daiyan Henley, Tuli Tuipulotu and Kyle Kennard, they did just put Denzel Perryman on IR, which is already a huge blow to their depth. This is where the top potential trade candidate and Miami Dolphins linebacker, Jaelan Phillips, can come into the equation. Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former UCLA and Miami product is in his final season of his current deal with the Dolphins as they’re having one of the worst seasons. If the Dolphins continue to deplete and can’t find a way to win, then they may fire-sale plenty of their talent and be open to trading Phillips.
Breaking: Heartbreaking Chargers Khalil Mack Injury Could Signal Jaelan Phillips Trade
Other Potential Suitors
New Orleans Saints
Between Carl Granderson, Chase Young and DeMario Davis and Pete Werner, the New Orleans Saints could use one more linebacker to fill the depth. The Saints are 0-2 and probably won’t be a winning team anytime soon, but it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t upgrade the defense to give themselves a fighting chance. Quarterback Spencer Rattler is good, but not enough to bring home a win yet. The defense must be explosive to give Rattler more chances on the field and Phillips’ addition could be the change that they need.
Phillips joining in his final year of contract wouldn’t hurt the Saints’ cap space, as he will become a free agent next offseason either way.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the linebacker unit for the Dallas Cowboys has had a fair share of successes on the field, but nothing explosive like defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was hoping. Jack Sanborn’s signing with the Cowboys has been a disappointment so far, while Eberflus has been playing too much “zone.” Kenneth Murray Jr. is surprisingly outplaying Dante Fowler and Damone Clark, so this is something to watch as the season progresses. No one’s job is safe in this unit, and the Cowboys signing Jadeveon Clowney is proof of that.
Phillips can turn this Cowboys defense from good to impressive by playing alongside Clowney.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers are in dire need of an answer this season. After starting 0-2, it looks like the momentum they had this past offseason has died. With Tershawn Wharton missing games and already releasing Clowney and Josey Jewell this past offseason, the Panthers need a miracle on defense. Phillips isn’t god, but could turn this defense at least average than they have been for the past two games this season.
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