Phillips is a five-year veteran of the league who has played almost exclusively on special teams. Per PFF, He’s appeared on just 271 defensive snaps in his career, but played on over 366 special teams snaps just last season. He’ll be tasked with playing a similar role this season with the Chargers in what will be his sixth season as a pro.

Phillips hasn’t seen much run on defense during his four NFL seasons but has been a key special teams contributor for the Jets and Ravens. He notched 24 tackles and forced one fumble in 2023. Phillips will step in as an immediate contributor on special teams for Houston and can fill in as an inside linebacker when needed.

Like several Ravens restricted free agents, he was non-tendered and brought back under more favorable terms as the team is trying to conserve salary cap space in case a team makes a run at Lamar Jackson. Phillips is primarily a special teamer and has played just 161 defensive snaps in three seasons.