{"id":852725,"date":"2026-04-04T05:04:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T05:04:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/852725\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T05:04:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T05:04:39","slug":"carolina-panthers-end-up-with-three-top-15-signings-from-nfl-free-agency-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/852725\/","title":{"rendered":"Carolina Panthers End Up With Three Top 15 Signings From NFL Free Agency Period"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Carolina Panthers<\/a> have been one of the biggest stories in the league during this offseason’s free agency. The Panthers clearly knew who they wanted to pursue this offseason to elevate their team and remain contenders in the NFC South<\/a>, and they weren\u2019t afraid to spend, and spend big.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How good were the Panthers\u2019 signings, though? There\u2019s no real way of knowing until Football season gets back underway, but some analysts have an idea of where the Panthers\u2019 signings rank amongst all free agency moves this offseason, and it\u2019s safe to say the Panthers did well in the eyes of most.<\/p>\n

Sports Illustrated\u2019s Eva Geitheim, Karl Rasmussen, and Mike Kadlick collectively released their top 50 signings so far<\/a>, and believe the Panthers are big winners in free agency.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rasheed Walker Barely Cracks The Top 15\"Rasheed<\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker (63) and running back Chris Brooks (30) are shown during the first quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman\/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Panthers had to address the left tackle spot at some point this offseason, whether it was through free agency or through the NFL Draft. The Panthers elected to look towards the free-agent market, one that wasn\u2019t littered with left tackles but had its gems, and they may have found the best one yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rasheed Walker<\/a> ranks 14th\u00a0in SI\u2019s top 50 signings, which is the highest amongst left tackles signed this offseason. As of right now, Walker is the short-term solution for the left tackle spot since Ikem Ekwonu likely won\u2019t play this year due to injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Walker has a ton of starting experience, starting 48 straight games for the Green Bay Packers before resting in week 18 of the 2025 season. Oh, and the Panthers only signed him to a one-year, $4 million deal, which is absurdly cheap for a young, proven left tackle in the NFL.<\/p>\n

Panthers sign former Packers OT Rasheed Walker.<\/p>\n

No less than 950 snaps at left tackle in each of the last three seasons.@997thefox<\/a> \u2022 #KeepPounding<\/a><\/p>\n

pic.twitter.com\/GvACeONYdT<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) March 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The price alone makes a top 15 placement justified, then adding in how Walker is still just 26 years old, has playoff experience, and is known to excel in pass coverage, especially, it\u2019s a huge win for Carolina and could be a huge win for Bryce Young, so yes, top 15 makes perfect sense.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jaelan Phillips Signing Squeezes Into Top 5\"Jaelan<\/p>\n

Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The most notable signing Carolina made this season, and one of the biggest blockbuster signings <\/a>this free agency period, was the Panthers\u2019 top priority this offseason: improving the pass rush, as Carolina ranked last in the league in quarterback hits. Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers ranked fourth in Si\u2019s top 50.<\/p>\n

The Jaelan Phillips signing was a surprise to most. Insiders and analysts thought the Philadelphia Eagles would retain him, but then the Panthers came in with a monster offer that had no chance of being matched. Phillips signed a four-year, $120 million deal<\/a> with the Panthers.<\/p>\n

Quick cut up of high IQ\/max effort reps from Jaelan Phillips. <\/p>\n

Special stuff. pic.twitter.com\/m34jgYTrM5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) March 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Phillips does have a lengthy injury history, but when he\u2019s fully healthy, he generates pressure with the best of the NFL. Seeing Phillips that high is a little surprising, not because of his talent, but because of the price Carolina paid for him. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s certainly a slight overpay for someone who hasn\u2019t had a 10 sack season yet, but the Panthers were right to be desperate for pass rush help, and signing a young, really good edge rusher is going to work wonders for the Panthers’ defense. So while fourth is a little higher than expected, it\u2019s not ridiculous.<\/p>\n

Devin Lloyd Ranks 2nd\u00a0in the Top 50 Signings\"Devin<\/p>\n

Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

No surprise here, the Devin Lloyd<\/a> signing was the best blend of acquiring a great talent and getting him for an amazing price. Devin Lloyd was tied for second in interceptions in the league last year and was second-team all-pro. Lloyd had by far the best year of his career, and yet the Panthers signed him to a three-year, $42 million deal.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

DEVIN LLOYD PICK-6!<\/p>\n

KCvsJAX on ESPN\/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> and ESPN App pic.twitter.com\/kcGT0MZHLr<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Another one of Carolina\u2019s biggest needs was an inside linebacker, specifically one who can thrive in pass coverage, and Lloyd fits that description and then some based on his 2025 season. This was a complete homerun for the Panthers, and the number two ranking is completely warranted.\u00a0<\/p>\n