Panthers Linked to Former Eagles Pass Rusher in Potential $17M Move
The Carolina Panthers are expected to focus on improving their pass rush again this offseason, and one possible option could be taking a chance on a former first-round pick.
The NFL’s free agency period begins soon, starting with the legal tampering window on March 9 and officially opening with the new league year at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. For many around the league, it marks one of the busiest and most exciting times of the offseason.
In a recent analysis of all 32 teams, Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano suggested one free-agent target for each franchise. For the Carolina Panthers, he believes the team should pursue pass rusher Jaelen Phillips, a former first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2025 season.
Panthers Still Searching for Pass-Rush Help
Manzano noted that Carolina has tried to fill its pass-rushing void with lower-cost options in recent seasons after trading star edge rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants in 2024. Those attempts have not produced the same level of impact, suggesting it may be time for the team to invest more heavily at the position.
According to Manzano, adding Phillips could provide the type of splash signing the Panthers need. After being traded midseason from Miami to Philadelphia, Phillips showed flashes of dominance and appears to have recovered from earlier injury issues.
Phillips Could Be a Valuable Addition
Early in his career with the Dolphins, Phillips showed strong potential. Across his first two seasons, he appeared in every game—including a playoff matchup with the rival Buffalo Bills—and recorded 16 sacks in 35 games, along with one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
In 2023, he played eight of Miami’s first 11 games and tallied 6.5 sacks along with an interception before injuries sidelined him for the remainder of the season, including the team’s playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
During the 2025 season, Phillips recorded 25 tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery in nine games with Miami under head coach Mike McDaniel before being traded to the Eagles. In eight appearances with Philadelphia, he added 28 tackles, two sacks, four passes defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
According to Spotrac, Phillips’ projected market value sits around $17.3 million annually. The Panthers currently have less than $8 million in cap space, but that does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of signing him if the team restructures contracts or makes additional roster moves.
Another option for Carolina could be addressing the pass rush through the draft. General manager Dan Morgan may consider using a first-round pick on an edge rusher—something the franchise hasn’t done since selecting Burns out of Florida State University with the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
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