Along with linebacker Devin Lloyd, Phillips adds some immediate credibility to a defense that made significant strides last year. After they ranked 32nd in the league in both points and yards allowed in 2023, they were 15th and 16th in those categories this year.
Getting a pass-rusher of Phillips’ level will be a significant step, as the Panthers ranked 28th in the league with 30.0 sacks last season. He had 28.0 sacks in his first five seasons and 5.0 last year, but he was among the league’s top 10 in pressure rate.
When asked to describe his game, Phillips replied: “Max effort, tenacious, disruptive.”
“I think that I still have room to grow, obviously as a pass rusher, and just turning all that disruption into production. I think that’s kind of the next step in my career, but at the bare minimum, I’m a disruptive force. I go out there with max effort, with huge heart. I’m a team guy, and I just try to bring my teammates along with me.”