Nine weeks from Sunday, the Carolina Panthers will play their first game of the 2026 season—hosting Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium.

Thus will begin the next chapter in the Panthers’ story, which will likely be defined by how much their defense improves compared to last season. Specifically, Carolina splurged in free agency in an effort to improve a long-dormant pass rush. If those investments pay off, this could be a dangerous sleeper team in the NFC.

The biggest x-factor in this department is outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who will be making his debut for the Panthers after signing a massive four-year, $120 million deal in March. Matt Okada at NFL.com has named Phillips’ first game in Carolina as one of the most anticipated debuts around the league in Week 1.

Okada writes:

I highlighted the need for the Panthers to improve their pass rush all the way back in February, and they checked that box right at the start of free agency. By Next Gen Stats’ count, Phillips racked up a healthy total of 63 pressures in 2025, including 21 quick pressures (within 2.5 seconds). The former Dolphins and Eagles edge rusher was Gregg Rosenthal’s No. 2 overall free agent and could have a significant impact on the entire Carolina defense…

Phillips’ first challenge will be a significant one, going against a potent Bears offense that finished sixth in yardage and ninth in scoring last season. Most of the time, he’ll likely be lining up across from Chicago’s right tackle Darnell Wright. In 2025, Wright earned high marks in run blocking (85.6) and pass blocking (74.3) from Pro Football Focus, coming out to an overall offensive grade of 81.4—ranking 14th at his position.

Meanwhile, Phillips posted 5.0 sacks, 14 quarterback hits and 73 pressures—which ranked ninth among edge rushers. His 77.1 pass rush grade ranked 20th at his position.

If Phillips lives up to his huge new contract, it could represent a breakthrough for the Panthers—who haven’t finished above the league average in sacks since the 2021 campaign.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers OLB Jaelan Phillips among NFL’s most anticipated 2026 debuts