The New York Jets continued to strengthen their defensive line on Wednesday by acquiring veteran nose tackle Harrison Phillips from the Minnesota Vikings, according to a person familiar with the deal. The trade is still pending a physical for Phillips, but it signals the Jets’ determination to add depth and experience to their defensive front before the new season kicks off.
In exchange for Phillips, the Jets are sending the Vikings sixth-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027. Minnesota is also including a 2027 seventh-round pick in the deal. Reports indicate that the Vikings have agreed to cover $3.7 million of Phillips’ $7.4 million salary for this season, making the trade more manageable for New York’s payroll.
This wasn’t the Jets’ only move of the day. Earlier, they acquired defensive tackle Jowon Briggs from the Cleveland Browns in a separate trade. In that deal, the Jets gave up a sixth-round pick for Briggs and a future seventh-rounder. Together, these two trades show that New York is making a serious push to reinforce its defensive line.
Phillips’ Career and Impact
Harrison Phillips, 29, is known across the league as one of the NFL’s most reliable run stoppers. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 307 pounds, he brings size, strength, and leadership to the Jets’ defense.
Phillips was originally drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills in 2018 after a standout college career at Stanford. He spent four years in Buffalo before signing with Minnesota in 2022. During his three years with the Vikings, he started every game, proving to be a consistent and dependable presence on their defensive line.
Over the course of his NFL career, Phillips has recorded eight sacks, five fumble recoveries, and 17 quarterback hits. Most of that production came during his time in Minnesota, where he logged 6.5 sacks and helped anchor the interior of the defense. While not a flashy player, Phillips has built a reputation as a tough and disciplined lineman who thrives at clogging running lanes and creating opportunities for his teammates.
The Vikings had signed Phillips to a three-year, $19.5 million contract in 2022 and later extended him for two more years in 2023. However, with the team looking to adjust its roster and salary commitments, they chose to move on, giving the Jets a valuable opportunity.
Briggs Brings Young Talent
Alongside Phillips, the Jets also landed Jowon Briggs, a young defensive tackle entering his second season in the NFL. Briggs, 23, was a seventh-round pick by the Browns in 2024. He appeared in six games as a rookie, collecting 13 tackles and two quarterback hits.
Before turning pro, Briggs had a productive college career, first at Virginia and then at Cincinnati, where he played from 2021 to 2023. At Cincinnati, he was teammates with Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, which should help ease his transition into New York’s locker room. Briggs finished his college career with 12 sacks and 170 tackles, showcasing his ability to disrupt both the pass and run game. At 6-foot-1 and 313 pounds, Briggs brings power and potential to a defensive line already filled with proven talent.
Jets’ Defensive Outlook
With these additions, the Jets’ defensive line looks stronger than ever. The group is led by star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, a three-time Pro Bowler, and includes Micheal Clemons, Jay Tufele, Will McDonald, and Rashad Weaver.
Defensive tackle Byron Cowart has been sidelined during training camp with an ankle injury, which created a need for reinforcements. By adding both Phillips and Briggs, the Jets are ensuring that they won’t miss a beat if Cowart remains out for an extended time.
Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks expressed his excitement about the unit’s potential earlier this week, emphasizing how central the line is to the Jets’ overall defensive strategy.
“I preach all the time to the defense, everything that we do starts up front,” Wilks said. “Those guys are going to be the cowbells of this defense and really try to spark and get us going.”
With the combination of veteran experience in Phillips and youthful energy in Briggs, the Jets now have a deeper, more versatile defensive line heading into the season. The front office hopes these moves will not only shore up the team’s defense but also give them a stronger chance to compete in the highly competitive AFC East.
