Breaking News: Jets Make Bold Move by Acquiring Phillips in Second Trade for Defensive Tackle Today!

The New York Jets are making moves to strengthen their defensive line by acquiring defensive tackles Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs. Both trades took place recently, signaling the team’s need to bolster a weaker position.

The Jets gave up two sixth-round picks in 2026 and 2027, plus a seventh-round pick in 2027, to the Minnesota Vikings for Phillips. This deal is pending a physical. Interestingly, the Vikings will cover $3.7 million of Phillips’ salary for the upcoming season. Phillips, who is 29, has been a consistent starter throughout his career and is expected to partner with Quinnen Williams in the Jets’ defensive lineup.

Earlier in the day, the Jets secured Briggs from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Briggs, who had limited playtime as a rookie, is seen as a key addition to their depth chart.

The Jets’ urgency to make these trades stems partly from an ankle injury sidelining Byron Cowart, who was in line for a starting role this season. Earlier, the Jets had brought in several players on low-cost contracts for the defensive tackle position, with Jay Tufele emerging as a standout during the preseason.

Phillips was drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills in 2018 and has started 62 games. He excelled last season with the Vikings, setting a career-high with 92 tackles. However, after the Vikings brought in several new defensive players, Phillips became expendable.

Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been pleased with the competition for defensive roles, noting that players like Tufele and others have stepped up. “We’re looking for balance alongside Williams,” he mentioned, emphasizing the importance of having strong players who can draw double teams.

This proactive approach by the Jets mirrors trends in the NFL, where teams are increasingly focused on building strong defensive rosters. A recent study shows that teams with formidable defensive lines tend to perform better overall. This trend highlights the importance of these trades for the Jets as they aim for success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

For those following the team closely, these changes indicate a clear commitment to strengthening defensive tactics and optimizing player performance for the upcoming season.

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