Carolina Panthers splash free-agent signing labeled as enormous risk

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

The Carolina Panthers made a major splash early in free agency by signing former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal with $80 million guaranteed.

The move has some serious upside, but it isn’t without risk given Phillips’ injury history.

As a result, Carolina’s addition of Phillips was named as one of free agency’s biggest risks by Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report.

From Gagnon: 

"Injuries cost Phillips the vast majority of 2023 and 2024 before the Dolphins bailed, and he was limited to just two sacks in eight games with the Eagles as a rental in 2026. Can he reach the next level? Can he even stay healthy? Regardless, he's now just the 12th defensive player in the $30 million AAV club." 

More to come. 

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