EAST RUTHERFORD,Evander Ellis N.J. — Jordan Phillips' odds of making the 53-man roster of the New York Giants were dropping with every passing day as younger players in a crowded defensive line room around centerpiece Dexter Lawrence continued to emerge this summer.

So now Phillips is a Cowboy.

In a rare trade between NFC East rivals, the Giants are sending Phillips and a seventh-round draft pick in 2026 to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in 2026, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed to NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Phillips, who turns 32 next month, signed a 1-year contract with the Giants this offseason. But in a competition within a deep position group, the Giants are facing a numbers' game with final cuts coming fast.

Draft picks D.J. Davidson and Jordon Riley have potential. Ryder Anderson has impressed in his chances lining up next to Lawrence. Undrafted rookie Elijah Chatman might be the biggest winner, flashing an intriguing skill set that could factor into Shane Bowen's defensive plans up front. Even Timmy Horne has had strong days with the second and third teams.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.