If they’re able to simply take care of business and beat the Commanders on Saturday afternoon, the Eagles will clinch the NFC East and punch their ticket to the postseason.

That means something to every player in the locker room but especially their two remaining midseason additions, Jaelan Phillips and Michael Carter II.

“It’s awesome. It’s definitely exciting for me,” Phillips said. “I’ve never been a division winner before. Even kind of seeing the history of this, I didn’t realize how competitive the NFC East is. … I think it’s pretty rare in a talented conference like this. It’s something that’s exciting to be a part of but I’m just glad that I get to be a part of it.”

Both Phillips and Carter were acquired by general Howie Roseman from the basement-dwelling teams of the AFC East ahead of the trade deadline to bolster a defense that has really started to round into form over the last month. 

Phillips came from Miami, where the Dolphins (6-8) have been eliminated and this week decided to bench their franchise quarterback. And Carter came from the Jets (3-11), who are again on the short list of teams with a good chance to get the No. 1 overall draft pick in April.

“Man, it’s something that being in the league going on Year 5 now, it’s something you’ve always had the confidence you’d get a chance to do and be a part of,” Carter said. “Being here in the moment, just making sure I’m prepared in every way possible to help the team. I think being around a group of guys that’s been there before, have been in these types of games and situations, is helpful a lot too. 

“Because you understand and you get a good feel how they approach these types of games and also the confidence that goes into it too. We have the opportunity to do such great things, that’s what’s in front of us. I’m super excited to be a part of it.”

Phillips is in his fifth NFL season and has played in just one playoff game but has never won his division. And Carter II is in his fifth year too and has never even been in the playoffs.

The only time one of Phillips’ teams was in a division-clinching scenario came in 2023 when he was already on the shelf with a torn Achilles. The Dolphins needed just one win in their last two games that season and they would have clinched the AFC East. They lost 56-19 to the Ravens and then 21-14 to the Bills. They then went into the playoffs as a wild-card team and were quickly sent home by the Chiefs.

“This is the second opportunity and we’re going to make it good this time,” Phillips said.

Carter hasn’t even gotten close to the playoffs before. In his four years with the Jets, his teams finished either third or fourth in the division every season. In fact, this will be the first year of his career with a winning record.

Even though he has been a depth player and special teamer in Philly, Carter is enjoying playing in meaningful games in December.

“Me personally, you feel what’s at stake but this team is so prepared to win those types of games,” Carter said. “That’s the real difference that I’ve noticed. When it comes to December, these games are big as far as the implications and things like that. 

“But having a bunch of guys that’s been there before and understand how to win and what it takes, I’m just stoked to be a part of it. I just kind of soak up that confidence as well because even when things are going one way or the other, you never feel out of a game with this group. I’m ready to go.”