The Miami Dolphins have opened the NFL season 1-4, and after choking a 17-0 lead on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, it’s not far fetched to believe the Dolphins could be sellers at the NFL trade deadline.

With the Dolphins not trending toward a playoff run, veterans and players with contracts expiring could be on the move this season.

Outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips could be one of those guys. Pro Football Network recently urged the Dallas Cowboys to trade for the Dolphins’ star to replace the hole left by Micah Parsons.

Jaelan Phillips Can Replace Micah Parsons

Phillips is playing on a $13.25 million club option in 2025, and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. So, if the Dolphins aren’t making a playoff run, he could be a veteran on an expiring contract that the Dolphins look to get a return on.

“In Jaelan Phillips’ last full season, 2023-24, he registered as the fourth-best edge rusher and 13th-best player in the entire league, grading 94.4 on our PFSN LBi ranking for the year,” PFSN wrote. “While there is no replacing Micah Parsons, bringing in someone who possesses that truly elite upside would benefit the Dallas Cowboys, especially seeing how they really get a lot out of the defensive players they bring in.”

Phillips has dealt with injuries the last two years but is finally back healthy for the 2025 season. The Dolphins’ star had 15.5 sacks across his first two years in the NFL before his injuries began.

However, through five games in 2025, Phillips already has a sack, tackle for loss, fumble recovery and two quarterback hits.

As for the Cowboys, the defense had been awful to start 2025. Dallas ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed and passing yards allowed.

The Cowboys need that x-factor on the defensive side the ball that they’re severely missing without Parsons.

If the Dolphins continue to trend downward, and the Cowboys continue to stay in the playoff hunt, a trade around Phillips could make a lot of sense for both sides.