The Carolina Panthers are making a statement in free agency, signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
Phillips, 26, split the 2025 season between the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, joining Philadelphia via a trade at the deadline. Despite a history of injuries, he proved his value immediately: after his arrival in Week 10, the Eagles’ defense surged, finishing the season as the league’s top scoring defense.
The 2021 first-round pick will bring his pass-rushing talent to a Panthers front that has lacked a true difference-maker since trading Brian Burns to New York in 2024. Phillips will also complement interior force Derrick Brown, a former first-round pick who tied for Carolina’s team lead in sacks (5.0) last season despite being underrated.
In terms of pay, Phillips’ $30 million average per year ranks between Jacksonville’s Josh Hines-Allen and San Francisco’s Nick Bosa, reflecting a significant investment in an edge rusher who has played just three full seasons in five years. Carolina is betting on his potential, using substantial resources to lure him from Philadelphia. If Phillips stays healthy and performs as expected, the move could pay huge dividends for a Panthers defense looking to reclaim NFC South supremacy.
