Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) walks through the tunnel prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher
It's been a busy opening day of the legal tampering period for the Eagles, but not necessarily in a good way. The latest move has wide receiver Jahan Dotson agreeing to a 2-year, $15 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal could be worth up to $17 million and is fully guaranteed for $10 million.
The team signed cornerback Michael Carter II to a renegotiated deal, according to reports. He was going to count more than $10 million against the cap on his three-year, $30.75 million contract that he signed with the New York Jets. That has now been redone by the Eagles.
Carter came to the Eagles last season in a trade with the Jets, in which the Jets received John Metchie and the teams exchanged 2027 draft picks.
The biggest news happened earlier in the day. Jaelen Phillips, perhaps the Eagles best pass-rusher for the eight games he played for the team last season after coming over from Miami via trade, agreed to a contract with the Carolina Panthers. The agreement is for four years and $120 million with $80 guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
During his eight games with the Eagles, Phillips forced and recovered a fumble, while collecting two sacks.
It was reported after Maxx Crosby was traded by the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens, that the Eagles top priority was to sign Phillips. But the money that he signed for with the Panthers seems to be out of the Howie Roseman's desired range.
Phillips, 26, was considered the top pass-rusher in the free agent market. His departure will possibly help the Eagles keep free agents such as linebacker Nakobe Dean and/or tight end Dallas Goedert. Of course, the team will most likely now have to address the edge rusher position.
The Eagles also received four compensatory draft picks, the NFL announced. In the third round, they will get the 98th overall pick, in the fourth the 137th overall, in the fifth the 178th overall, and in the sixth the 215th overall.
The two day window started at noon on Monday and teams can contact agents of any unrestricted free agent and try to negotiate a contract. Before, teams weren't allowed to directly contact players, but this year, teams are permitted to directly contact up to five free agents during the tampering window.
