03-15-2026, 09:49 AM -
Been a while since we read positive things about the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers
Best signing: Jaelan Phillips, LB
There was some debate over whether Phillips or Trey Hendrickson was the best edge rusher in this free agent class, but Phillips, at 26, is the younger of the two and still has some possibility for growth. The Eagles' defense improved on film once it added Phillips at midseason, and although he had just two sacks for Philadelphia, he had 27 pressures.
Best team fits for top remaining NFL free agents: Barnwell finds perfect matches
Bill Barnwell
Edge rusher was a huge need for a Panthers team that ranked just 28th in sacks (30) and 24th in pass rush win rate (34.4%) last season. Signing Phillips was very expensive, with a four-year, $120 million contract, but the Panthers had the cap space to make the move.
Most underrated signing: Devin Lloyd, LB
Lloyd matured into a top linebacker over the past couple of seasons with the Jaguars. Since 2024, he has recorded 3.5 sacks, 194 total tackles and 11 passes defended. The "underrated" part here is the price to add him. The Panthers got Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal, a real discount compared to the expected cost. A contract forecast model from ESPN's Seth Walder had Lloyd listed with a likely $22.5 million per year.
Other moves: Signed OT Rasheed Walker (Packers), QB Kenny Pickett (Raiders), C Luke Fortner (Saints) and WR John Metchie III (Jets); lost C Cade Mays (to Lions) and RB Rico Dowdle (to Steelers).
Others KC, NE, Pitt, San Fran
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/4819...oved-teams
Carolina Panthers
Best signing: Jaelan Phillips, LB
There was some debate over whether Phillips or Trey Hendrickson was the best edge rusher in this free agent class, but Phillips, at 26, is the younger of the two and still has some possibility for growth. The Eagles' defense improved on film once it added Phillips at midseason, and although he had just two sacks for Philadelphia, he had 27 pressures.
Best team fits for top remaining NFL free agents: Barnwell finds perfect matches
Bill Barnwell
Edge rusher was a huge need for a Panthers team that ranked just 28th in sacks (30) and 24th in pass rush win rate (34.4%) last season. Signing Phillips was very expensive, with a four-year, $120 million contract, but the Panthers had the cap space to make the move.
Most underrated signing: Devin Lloyd, LB
Lloyd matured into a top linebacker over the past couple of seasons with the Jaguars. Since 2024, he has recorded 3.5 sacks, 194 total tackles and 11 passes defended. The "underrated" part here is the price to add him. The Panthers got Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal, a real discount compared to the expected cost. A contract forecast model from ESPN's Seth Walder had Lloyd listed with a likely $22.5 million per year.
Other moves: Signed OT Rasheed Walker (Packers), QB Kenny Pickett (Raiders), C Luke Fortner (Saints) and WR John Metchie III (Jets); lost C Cade Mays (to Lions) and RB Rico Dowdle (to Steelers).
Others KC, NE, Pitt, San Fran
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/4819...oved-teams
