July 4, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET
In quite a change from how the organization has operated in the past, the Carolina Panthers handed out the NFL’s single-richest free-agent deal this offseason. But is it too rich?
Well, that’s the sentiment from Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton—who recently named the league’s highest-paid player at every position. Jaelan Phillips, Carolina’s huge catch from the spring, headlines the edge rushers with his four-year, $120 million pact.
Moton writes:
The Carolina Panthers should be concerned about Jaelan Phillips’ injury history. He’s played three full seasons in five years, missing 22 outings between 2023 and 2024.
Even when healthy, Phillips produced solid numbers that fall short of spectacular. He’s yet to finish a campaign with double-digit sacks or tackles for loss, which is what most of the highest-paid edge-rushers have on their resumes.
Moton also goes on to note that Phillips will be earning $36.2 million in cash salary this season—the fourth-most at his position. Phillips’ 2026 salary is higher than that of T.J. Watt, Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. and Maxx Crosby—all of whom have been selected to multiple Pro Bowls.
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From Carolina’s perspective, it’s an investment in what they believe Phillips can be. The 2021 first-round pick is still only 27 years old, and should thrive under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero—a former pupil of Phillips’ last defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio.
Phillips did finish with a career-high 73 pressures in 2025. That mark was tied for the ninth-highest in the NFL.
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