In the early stages of organized team activities this spring, Harrison Phillips stood at the podium and praised Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, noting how their presence was going to help keep him fresh in 2025.

In hindsight, that exchange feels a little bit awkward.

Though he was technically right about Allen and Hargrave stepping in and making an immediate impact, Phillips didn’t account for the fact that they would make him expendable in the process.

In the aftermath of training camp last month, the Minnesota Vikings made the tough decision to trade Phillips to the New York Jets, a shocking move on the surface that seemed to signal a mentality shift up front. It would appear that the Vikings are prioritizing the ability to rush the passer above everything else.

As effective as Jo

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