The Carolina Panthers have reached an agreement with star edge rusher Jaelan Phillips on a four-year contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. With incentives, the deal can be worth up to $120 million.
The blockbuster signing includes $80 million in total guarantees, cementing Phillips as one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. Phillips joins the Panthers after a 2025 campaign in which he played for both the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was acquired by Philadelphia at the trade deadline last season, where he recorded two sacks and established himself as a key contributor in eight games for the Eagles.
Through 63 career games, Phillips has tallied 28 sacks and remains one of the most productive young pass rushers in the league. The $30 million average annual salary of this new deal aligns him with the highest-paid defensive players in football, reflecting the premium market for elite edge talent. This move significantly bolsters the Panthers defensive front as the 2026 NFL league year begins.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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