Jaelan Phillips on the field.
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Jaelan Phillips has inked a deal to play for Carolina.
The Carolina Panthers made a decisive move by signing Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year contract.
Carolina signed the 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.
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. He will now be entering his 6th NFL season.
Jaelan Phillips explained why he chose the Carolina Panthers instead of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Carolina Came With Better Offer Than Philadelphia
According to a Sports Illustrated article, Phillips still has love for the city of Philadelphia, but the Panthers came with a better offer.
“I have respect for them (the Eagles), and I don’t want to disclose what they were offering or anything like that, but they definitely did want me to come back.” Phillips said in the article. “That’s something I knew after the season that they would be making a push, but ultimately, the Panthers just came with a more attractive offer. That just shows the belief they have in me and the belief they have in their team that we’re going to invest into pieces that are going to take this team to the next level. It was kind of a no-brainer to come to the Panthers.”
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.
“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.”
Due to Phillips’ production, Carolina may have hit a home run with this signing.
Future Continues to Be Bright in Carolina
Before signing the Carolina Panthers, Jaelan Phillips 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.
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.
Phillips spoke about what the Carolina Panthers were able to accomplish in 2025.
“I think what the team was able to accomplish last year was extremely impressive, and I think everybody kind of recognized the organization as a contender and a team that’s up and coming,” Phillips said in the article. “I think Dan [Morgan] did an awesome job of who he signed, and I’m just excited to come in and contribute to what the team was already doing and the upward trajectory of what the organization was doing.”