Panthers Unveil New Uniform Number for Top Free Agent Signee

Outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips will wear No. 5 for Carolina after previous stints with the Dolphins and Eagles.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:35am

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The Carolina Panthers have announced that their top free agent signing, outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, will wear the number 5 jersey for the team. Phillips previously wore numbers 15 and 50 with his former teams, the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, but felt a "new era" called for a fresh start with a new number.

Why it matters

Uniform numbers can hold significance for players, often representing a new chapter in their careers. Phillips' decision to switch to the number 5 signals his commitment to the Panthers and desire to make his mark in Carolina after successful stints elsewhere.

The details

Phillips, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Panthers, explained that he liked the look of the number 5 on a fan-made graphic he saw during the week. The 27-year-old linebacker also felt that a change of scenery warranted a change of numbers, moving on from the 15 he wore with the Dolphins and the 50 he donned with the Eagles.

  • On March 13, 2026, the Panthers announced that Jaelan Phillips will wear the number 5 jersey.

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A 27-year-old outside linebacker who signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers after previous stints with the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles.

Rico Dowdle

The last Panther to wear the number 5 jersey, who just signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“I was 15 at the Dolphins, 50 at the Eagles, I was like I might as well, it's a new era, man. Let's do a new number, you know what I mean, a fresh start. So I'm excited.”

— Jaelan Phillips (Panthers.com)

The takeaway

Jaelan Phillips' decision to wear the number 5 jersey for the Panthers represents his commitment to a new chapter in his career and his desire to make an impact in Carolina after successful stints with the Dolphins and Eagles.