The Carolina Panthers have signed former Eagles Pass Rusher Jaelan Phillips to a 4-year, $120 Million contract.
“Sources: Jaelan Phillips has agreed to a 4-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers with $80M in guarantees.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on Monday.
The Carolina Panthers get the edge help they need by signing Jaelan Phillips and more moves could come in the future.
“Panthers wanted a top rusher, circling on Jaelen Phillips and Odafe Oweh. Could still add a top linebacker and/or slot corner.” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on his official X account.
Jaelan Phillips’ Resume
This pickup serves as a big win for the Carolina Panthers. Phillips was regarded as one of the top edge rushers available in this year’s free agency class. Phillips will now be entering his 6th NFL season.
Jaelan Phillips was selected 18th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami. Phillips recorded 26 sacks, 177 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 61 quarterback hits over 55 games played before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles at the trade deadline last year.
The Miami standout played just 12 games across a two-season span after tearing his Achilles in 2023 and tearing his ACL in 2024–but performed well when he played.
“Phillips racked up 26 sacks across 55 games before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 third-round pick ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline.” Jacob Camenker wrote in a USA Today article. “The 26-year-old reunited with Vic Fangio – who coached him during the 2023 season with the Dolphins – upon joining the Eagles, which eased his transition into Philadelphia’s defense.”
“Phillips was expected to have a robust free-agent market because of his consistent ability to rack up pressure. Carolina won the sweepstakes for his services and will hope he can help upgrade a team that ranked dead-last in pressure rate last season, per the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.”
Phillips has played a total of 63 games in his career. He has recorded 205 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 11 pass defenses since he has been in NFL.
Jaelan Phillips Contract Details
The Panthers have made Jaelan Phillips the eighth highest paid pass rusher in the NFL in terms of average annual value. The contract details include:
- Term: Four years
- Total contract value: $120 million
- AAV: $30 million
- Guaranteed money: $80 million
Jaelan Phillips will be added to an impressive Carolina Panthers team that overachieved in 2025. The franchise went 8-9 during the 2025 season while adding good talent in back-to-back seasons. The team did finish below .500 in 2025 for the eighth consecutive year, but the club won the NFC South for the first time since 2015.
In 2025, the Carolina Panthers had a 34% pass-rush win rate. As a result, the Panthers ranked 16th in total defense. They ranked 20th in the NFL against the run and 15th against the pass.
One could argue the team is trending in the right direction after going a combined 7-27 from 2023-2024. Signing Jaelan Phillips could be the first move of a bright Carolina Panthers future in 2026. The team will look to be in the playoffs for the second year in a row.
NFL Free Agency officially begins on March 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
Panthers Sign Former Eagles Edge Rusher to 4-Year, 120M Deal