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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 16: Jaelan Phillips #50 of the Philadelphia Eagles leaves the field following a game against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Carolina Panthers made one of the boldest moves of NFL free agency when they signed edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal. While the contract immediately grabbed headlines, Phillips has now revealed the key factor that ultimately led him to leave the Philadelphia Eagles.
Phillips confirmed that Philadelphia did attempt to bring him back after acquiring him midseason in 2025. However, the Panthers’ aggressive pursuit during the opening hours of free agency ultimately changed the outcome.
“They definitely did want me to come back, and that’s something I knew after the season that they were going to be making a push,” Phillips said. “But ultimately, the Panthers just came with a more attractive offer. Clearly, that just shows the belief they have in me.”
The decision marked a major moment for both franchises. Philadelphia hoped to retain the talented pass rusher and a key piece of their defense, while Carolina viewed Phillips as a cornerstone addition for a defense looking to take another step forward in 2026.
David Newton
Jaelan Phillips says the Eagles did want him to return, but the Panthers “just came with a more attractive offer. . . . Clearly, that just shows the belief they have in me.”
Eagles Tried to Keep Jaelan Phillips
According to Phillips, the Panthers’ belief in his long-term impact was the biggest factor in his decision. Carolina approached him early in free agency with a significant offer and a clear vision for how he fits into the team’s future.
Phillips said that level of commitment from the organization stood out immediately.
“That just shows the belief they have in me, and the belief they have in their team,” Phillips explained. “They’re willing to invest in pieces to try to take this team to the next level.”
The Panthers’ front office has been aggressive throughout the offseason, aiming to build on the momentum from last season’s turnaround. After finishing near the bottom of the league defensively just two years ago, Carolina made major strides and now appears focused on adding impact players who can elevate the unit further.
Landing Phillips was a key step in that plan.
Turning Disruption Into Production After Eagles Stint
While Phillips’ sack numbers have not always matched his impact, his underlying production suggests a much higher ceiling. The 26-year-old has consistently generated pressure throughout his career, including a strong stretch in 2025.
Phillips finished the 2025 season with 73 total pressures (9th in the NFL) and an 18.8% pressure rate, one of the league’s highest marks. He also recorded two sacks, 28 tackles, and four passes defended in eight games with Philadelphia as the defense surged to the No. 1 scoring defense over the remainder of the season after his arrival.
The loss of Phillips can’t be understated.
“The one thing I know about myself is I’m going to get after the quarterback,” Phillips said. “I’m going to affect him. I’m going to get my hand in his face and take the tackle back into him.”
Still, he acknowledges there is another level he hopes to reach.
“I think for me, I’m excited about expanding my game and really getting that finishing aspect and turning a lot of the disruption into production.”
If Phillips is able to convert more of those pressures into sacks, Carolina’s investment could quickly look like one of the smartest moves of the offseason.