The NFL is a business, and that business sometimes leads to teams needing to make tough decisions with their rosters. For the Minnesota Vikings, the decision to trade defensive lineman Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets caught many fans off guard.
Apparently, fans weren't the only ones caught off guard by the seemingly abrupt trade. While speaking with Jets media, the veteran defensive lineman shared his feelings on the trade with reporters.
Defensive lineman Harrison Phillips was a bit surprised when he was traded away by the Minnesota Vikings.
Here is what Phillips had to say in a video shared on X by Jets Vidos.
"I think it was a little bit of a surprise. Just 'cause of being a captain up in Minnesota. some of the things I was able to do off the field there. And, you know, I think I was the head coach and GM's first signing in free agency four years ago. But understand that it's a business and understand the opportunity that I have here to come in, all of you guys know the arrow is pointing up here. And so I'm really hopeful that I can come in and make sure that the arrow continues to point up and do whatever I can to play that part as well."
Phillips was a multiple-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee who seemed to embrace not only the culture of the Minnesota Vikings but the culture of the community as well. Any social media shared by him or his family was positive and uplifting,
The now 29-year-old defender spent three seasons in Minnesota, where he started all 51 regular-season contests for the team. During that time, he accumulated 207 combined tackles, 17 quarterback hits, 7 pass defenses, and 6.5 sacks.
Strong depth and youth potential made Harrison Phillips a player that the Vikings felt comfortable letting go. Sadly, his great work on the field and in the community is now something that the New York Jets can appreciate.
Trading Phillips to the Jets might leave a hole in the middle of the Vikings' front-line defense, but free agent signing Javon Hargrave will likely fill that role. At the same time, Levi Drake Rodgriguez can act as his backup after another strong training camp and preseason.
Hopefully, the Minnesota Vikings' decision to trade Harrison Phillips doesn't come back to bite the team, as he will be missed in the locker room as well as the community.