Former Philadelphia Eagles edge defender Jaelan Phillips, SB Nation’s third overall rated free agent this season, is reportedly signing with the Carolina Panthers for a deal that is wildly outside of their current cap situation.
The 26-year old pass rusher is one of the big gets of the offseason, a fact underscored by the 4-year, $120M deal that he has reportedly agreed
to with the Carolina Panthers. Phillips was the 18th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He was traded last season near the trade deadline to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2026 third round draft pick.
Phillips has 28 sacks in the last five season, despite only playing in 63 games. He has also posted 205 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 68 quarterback hits. He immediately becomes the most productive edge defender at the Panthers disposal if he does actually sign this deal.
Two things to watch out for this week are corresponding restructures of existing contracts to fit this deal under the salary cap and him actually signing. This is the second consecutive season that Dan Morgan has opened free agency with an agreement to sign one of the biggest defenders on the market. May it be the first where that player actually signs. Thanks, Milton Williams.
