The Los Angeles Chargers on Friday agreed to terms with linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips.
Here are five things to know about Phillips:
1. Houston to L.A.
Phillips joins the Chargers fresh off a strong year in Houston.
The 28-year-old linebacker played in all 17 regular-season games and two playoff games for the Texans, primarily in a special teams role.
He finished the season with 16 total tackles (eight solo) and one tackle for loss as well as leading Houston with 368 special teams snaps.
2. Special teams ace
Special teams is where the veteran has found his footing in the NFL.
Phillips has led his team in special teams snaps three out of the last four seasons, racking up at least 368 snaps each of those three years.
He boasted Pro Football Focus' fifth-best special teams grade during the 2021 season among players with at least 200 special teams with a 90.5, as well as 11th in 2023 with a 85.0 grade.
The linebacker does it in all four phases of special teams and will now look make his mark on Chargers Special Teams Coordinator Ryan Ficken's unit.
The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips.
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey runs past New York Jets linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
New York Jets linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (43) runs against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets' Del'Shawn Phillips warms-up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips runs a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (53) in action during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in London. (AP/Gary McCullough)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (53) rushes during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker)
Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (13) attempts to get around the block of Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward (83) during an NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (13) defends during an NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips enters the field prior to a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants, Saturday, Aug 17, 2024 in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (13) lines up in the first half against the New York Giants during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug 17, 2024 in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Zach VanValkenburg (51) runs a route as Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (13) defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug 24, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (13) looks on during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug 24, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (13) leaves the field at the end of the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 in Houston. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 24-20. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (13) lines up in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 in Houston. The Lions defeated the Texans 26-23. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Houston Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (13) covers a kick during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
3. Time in Baltimore
Phillips is a familiar face for Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz.
Hortiz served as the Ravens Director of Player Personnel when they brought Phillips on board prior to the 2022 season.
The linebacker appeared in 33 games (one start) for Baltimore in two seasons, including a playoff game, and racked up 29 total tackles (14 solo), one forced fumble and one tackle for loss.
4. Sticking around as UDFA
After going undrafted in 2019, Phillips has stuck around the NFL through multiple stops.
He saw his first NFL action with the Bills during the 2020 season in a special teams role for two games.
In 2021, he saw a career-high 160 defensive snaps to go along with his team-leading 374 special teams snaps as a member of the Jets before moving on to his next two years in Baltimore.
Overall, Phillips' career numbers stand at 69 games (two starts), 76 tackles (33 solo), four tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks.
5. Two years at Illinois
Phillips finished off his collegiate career as a starting linebacker for the Fighting Illini in 2017 and 2018 after playing a couple of years in junior college.
He started 21 of 23 games during his time at Illinois, leading the team in tackles both seasons and in interceptions during his senior season after a career-high four.
Phillips was voted as an All-Big Ten honorable mention by the media to close out his career, as he quickly became a reliable linebacker in the Big Ten.
