Although all signs pointed to the Patriots taking a step back in their free-agent spending this offseason, they have consistently been linked to some of the top stars set to look for new teams, one of whom is linebacker Jaelan Phillips.
Because they're looking to improve their defensive line, especially since a few of their top performers are about to test the free agent market, Phillips makes a lot of sense for what they want on the roster moving forward.
He has been one of the top names connected to Mike Vrabel and Co., for good reason, and there was a lot of chatter about their willingness to pay the price to get him in the door. But now they're running into the frustrating issue of his current team, the Eagles, attempting to take him out of free agency before it begins.
The Eagles are trying to make sure Jaelan Phillips can't test free agency this year
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, there have been ongoing conversations between the Eagles and Phillips to reach a new deal before the start of the new league year on Wednesday. They would prefer to get something done before he's allowed to speak with other teams on Monday afternoon, thereby stripping the Patriots of the chance to talk with the 26-year-old.
While this is completely legal and understandable for any team to do with their pending free agents, it's a disappointing development for a team like the Patriots, who could very easily use a player like Phillips on their defense.
It's always a risk to prioritize free agency to be how you improve your roster, but it's clear that is the path Vrabel and Co. want to take this offseason again, as they have cleared around $20 million in cap space with a few of their early offseason moves, most notable releasing Stefon Diggs.
That allows them to pursue more of the top names, like Phillips, and have a legitimate chance to sign them, which has only risen since they won the AFC and played in this year's Super Bowl.
Now, they'll have to hope that extension talks between the Eagles and Phillips fizzle out before the legal tampering window opens at noon on Monday, or else they'll have to switch their focus to other free agents that will hit the market instead.