LB Jaelan Phillips signs 4-year, $120M deal with Panthers

The former Dolphins and Eagles pass rusher joins Carolina on a lucrative contract.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Free-agent linebacker Jaelan Phillips has signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $80 million in guaranteed money for the 25-year-old pass rusher, who was traded from Miami to Philadelphia last November.

Why it matters

The Panthers finished tied for 29th in the NFL last season with just 30 sacks, so the addition of Phillips, a former first-round pick with 28 career sacks, should provide a major boost to their pass rush and defensive front.

The details

Phillips recorded 28 tackles, seven quarterback hits and two sacks for the Eagles in 2025 after being traded from the Dolphins. Over his five-year NFL career, the outside linebacker has played 63 games (46 starts) and racked up 205 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, 68 QB hits, an interception, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

  • Phillips was traded from Miami to Philadelphia in November 2025.
  • In 2025, Phillips had 28 tackles, seven QB hits and two sacks for the Eagles.
  • Over his five-year NFL career, Phillips has played 63 games (46 starts).

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A 25-year-old linebacker who was the 18th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has played for the Dolphins and Eagles over his five-year career.

Carolina Panthers

An NFL team that finished tied for 29th in the league with 30 sacks in 2025, making Phillips' addition a significant boost to their pass rush.

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What’s next

The Panthers will look to integrate Phillips into their defense and hope he can help improve their pass rush in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Panthers have made a major investment in Jaelan Phillips, betting that the talented pass rusher can help transform their defense and return them to the playoffs after a down year in 2025.