The Carolina Panthers made big splashes on the first day of NFL free agency.
The Panthers are signing Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips to a four-year deal worth up to $120 million, according to reports from NFL insiders. The contract includes $80 million in guarantees, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
ESPN ranked Phillips as the No. 3 free agent this offseason.
The Panthers also agreed to a one-year deal with quarterback Kenny Pickett, Schefter reported. Schefter said the deal is worth up to $7.5 million and includes $4 million in guarantees.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Carolina also agreed to a three-year contract with linebacker Devin Lloyd. The deal is worth up to $45 million with $25 million guaranteed.
But the Panthers are losing center Cade Mays, who has agreed to a deal with the Detroit Lions, according to reports. Mays played in 52 games over the last four years for Carolina. He started 12 games in 2025.
Phillips, 26, was traded to Philadelphia from Miami in the middle of the 2025 season. He played for Miami from 2021 to 2025. He’s played 63 career games and has 28 sacks. He played at Miami in college.
As a rookie, Phillips had a career-high 8.5 sacks. He played in 17 games last season between Miami and Philadelphia and had five sacks.
The Panthers won the NFC South at 8-9 and reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. Carolina lost to the Los Angeles Rams 34-31 in the first round.
Carolina’s defense ranked 16th in yards allowed per game (327.2) and 15th in points allowed per game (22.4). The Panthers were 15th against the pass and 20th against the run.