The Carolina Panthers are coming off a successful season. The team won their division, the NFC South, and made the Los Angeles Rams competitive in the wild-card round. After a good year, the Panthers made a move to improve their team and take their squad to another level.
Panthers Land Jaelan Phillips in Massive $120 Million Deal to Boost Pass Rush
That move was signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Per Adam Schefter, “Phillips has agreed to a 4-year, $120 million deal with the Panthers with $80M in guarantees.”
Sources: Jaelan Phillips has agreed to a 4-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers with $80M in guarantees. pic.twitter.com/SpZuxmCUOP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
This is a huge get for the Panthers, who struggled mightily with their pass rush last year. According to PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric, the team pressured quarterbacks on only 27.1% of dropbacks, ranking third-lowest in the NFL. Bringing in Phillips would give the Panthers the number one edge rusher that they need.
The great impact that Phillips’s can make was shown in Philadelphia last year. The Eagles traded for Phillips during their Week 9 bye. Before Phillips was an Eagle, the Eagles’ defense allowed 26 points per game. After Phillips came in, they only allowed 15 points per game during the regular season.
It would be foolish to attribute the Eagles’ defensive success solely to Jaelan Phillips, but his presence undoubtedly made an impact. Notably, Phillips played under Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio — a coach whom Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero previously studied under.
So, Phillips should translate and slide in very well into the Panthers’ defensive schematics and language. Even though Phillips has been impactful, he has yet to reach double-digit sacks, but the Panthers could be the place where he does.
The Panthers have edge rusher Nic Scourton, who showed some good flashes in his rookie season. He had 5 sacks but struggled at times, earning a C- and ranking No. 74 according to PFSN’s Edge Impact Metric.
However, bringing in Phillips as the number one will force teams to focus on Phillips and could allow Scourton to thrive.
Additionally, the Panthers have a defensive tackle, Derrick Brown. Brown has been a great player when healthy. Â There is a case where Phillips, Brown, and Scourotn create one of the best defensive lines in the league.
Phillips also helps the rest of the Panthers’ defense. With opposing quarterbacks under pressure, cornerbacks Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn, who are great ball hawk backs, could create even more turnovers.
Overall, things are looking bright for the Panthers. Phillips is also only 26, so his four-year deal will take him to 30, so the Panthers should have great years of Phillips on their team.
