Andrew Buller-Russ
The NFL free agency negotiation window opened at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. As usual, there was a flurry of activity right away. The Carolina Panthers wasted no time writing a huge check, the biggest of the day so far.
Weeks ago, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan admitted that the team would consider signing former Pro Bowl pass-rusher Bradley Chubb, who had just been released by the Dolphins. The Panthers didn’t end up signing Chubb (though they still could), Carolina just added one of his former teammates who might end up being even better than Chubb.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract. The 6-foot-5, 266-pound Phillips was traded from Miami to Philadelphia in exchange for a third-round pick, but now he leaves the Eagles after just eight games with the team.
Phillips, 26, arrived as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the Dolphins. He’s still looking to top the 8.5 sacks he recorded as a rookie, but he’s also recovered from two season-ending injuries, including a torn Achilles in 2023.
Last season, Phillips recorded 53 tackles (7 TFL), five sacks, two fumble recoveries, and four pass deflections in 17 starts. Now he’ll look to build upon those numbers in Carolina, where he’ll join a front seven that features Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown to help eat up blockers in the middle of the defense.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 Projections Before NFL Free Agency
