BREAKING: Giants Trade Phillips to Cowboys

As rosters continue to churn and 53-man roster decisions loom, the NFL is entering one of its more trade-happy stretches on the calendar.

The New York Giants have already joined in on the fun, with a surprising twist.

New York is dancing with the devil.

On Wednesday night, the Giants agreed to trade defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a seventh-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a sixth-round pick, per Ari Meirov .

Phillips was initially slotted in as New York’s second starting defensive tackle but fell on the unofficial depth chart as Rakeem Nuñez-Roches gained steam.

Deemed expendable, he was sent to Dallas in a move that shouldn’t hurt New York’s standing. He’ll likely back up former first-round pick Mazi Smith, aiming to clog lanes and soak up blocks for edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

Phillips had a down year with the Buffalo Bills last season, mostly playing over the B and C gaps rather than being a true nose tackle like his frame – 6-foot-4, 340 pounds – would suggest. It’s possible that played into his struggles, as well as a lingering shoulder injury.

He logged 2.5 sacks and two tackles for loss in 14 games last season.

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Phillips signed a one-year, $1.79 million deal with New York this offseason. His departure opens the door for other lineman like Casey Rogers and Elijah Chatman to gain footing on the 53-man roster.

The newly-traded tackle will have opportunities for revenge when the Cowboys play the Giants in Weeks 4 and 13.