Panthers Sign Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd in Free Agency

Carolina Panthers make splash signings to bolster defense ahead of 2026 NFL season

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:08pm

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The Carolina Panthers had a busy and productive NFL free agency period, signing several key players to improve their roster for the 2026 season. The biggest move was landing star edge rusher Jaelan Phillips on a four-year, $120 million contract. The Panthers also signed linebacker Devin Lloyd to a lucrative deal, shoring up the middle of their defense. Other notable signings include center Luke Fortner, tackle Rasheed Walker, and running back AJ Dillon.

Why it matters

The Panthers exceeded expectations in 2025 by winning their division and nearly upsetting the Rams in the playoffs. With these free agency additions, Carolina has positioned itself as a legitimate NFC contender heading into the 2026 season. The defense, in particular, should be vastly improved with the additions of Phillips and Lloyd.

The details

The Panthers made a splash by signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract. Phillips had 8.5 sacks for the Dolphins in 2025 and the Panthers are betting on him reaching his full potential as part of their ascending defense. Carolina also signed linebacker Devin Lloyd, who had an impressive 2025 season with 81 tackles and 5 interceptions for the Jaguars. The team addressed needs on the offensive line by signing center Luke Fortner and tackle Rasheed Walker. Running back AJ Dillon, who missed the 2024 season with a neck injury, was also added to provide depth behind lead back Chuba Hubbard.

  • The Panthers signed their free agent class in March 2026, ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A talented edge rusher who the Panthers signed to a four-year, $120 million contract in free agency. Phillips had 8.5 sacks for the Dolphins in 2025 and the Panthers are betting on him reaching his full potential as part of their ascending defense.

Devin Lloyd

The linebacker signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Panthers after a standout 2025 season with the Jaguars, where he had 81 tackles and 5 interceptions.

Luke Fortner

The veteran center signed with the Panthers to fill a hole on the offensive line after the departure of Cade Mays.

Rasheed Walker

The tackle signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Panthers and could start at left tackle early in the season if Ikem Ekwonu is not ready to go after a knee injury.

AJ Dillon

The running back signed with the Panthers to provide depth behind lead back Chuba Hubbard. Dillon is looking to bounce back after missing the 2024 season with a neck injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Panthers will look to integrate their new free agent additions into the team during the offseason program and training camp, with the goal of building on their 2025 playoff appearance and becoming a true NFC contender in 2026.

The takeaway

The Panthers have significantly upgraded their roster through free agency, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With the additions of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, Carolina's defense should be much improved in 2026 as the team aims to take the next step and become a Super Bowl contender.