Panthers Sign Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips to $120 Million Deal

Phillips spurns the Eagles to join Carolina's defense in NFC South

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract with free agent edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, luring him away from the Philadelphia Eagles. Phillips, a former first-round pick, has a history of injuries but is seen as having significant upside as a pass rusher.

Why it matters

The Panthers are betting big on Phillips to bolster their defense and remain competitive in the NFC South, while the Eagles now have to shift their focus to retaining defensive tackle Jalen Carter and potentially pursuing other free agent edge rushers.

The details

Phillips, 27, agreed to the massive deal with the Panthers, turning down an opportunity to return to the Eagles, who had acquired him in a trade last season. The Panthers are hoping Phillips can regain the form that saw him tally 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons with the Dolphins, despite his history of serious injuries including torn Achilles and ACL.

  • Phillips agreed to the deal in the early hours of the NFL's legal tampering period on March 9, 2026.
  • The contract cannot be officially signed until the new league year begins on March 13, 2026.

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A 27-year-old edge rusher who was a first-round pick by the Dolphins in 2021 and has dealt with significant injuries in his career, but is seen as having high upside as a pass rusher.

Carolina Panthers

An NFC South team that is betting big on Phillips to bolster their defense and remain competitive in the division.

Philadelphia Eagles

The team that had acquired Phillips in a trade last season and were expected to re-sign him, but were spurned as he opted to join the Panthers instead.

Jalen Carter

A defensive tackle for the Eagles who the team will now have to focus on retaining in free agency.

Trey Hendrickson

An edge rusher who the Eagles could potentially pursue in free agency now that they have lost out on Phillips.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must be aggressive in free agency to remain contenders in this division. Jaelan Phillips has the potential to be a game-changer for our defense.”

— David Tepper, Owner, Carolina Panthers (Panthers Press Release)

What’s next

The Panthers and Phillips will officially sign the contract on March 13th when the new NFL league year begins. The Eagles will now shift their focus to retaining Jalen Carter and potentially pursuing other free agent edge rushers like Trey Hendrickson.

The takeaway

This deal highlights the Panthers' aggressive approach to free agency as they look to remain competitive in the NFC South, while the Eagles must now adjust their offseason plans after losing out on one of their top defensive targets.