The Philadelphia Eagles were dealt their first cruel blow of free agency. Jaelan Phillips has signed with the Carolina Panthers on a deal worth $120M over 4 years.
Acquiring the 26-year-old was the big move Howie Roseman made at the trade deadline last year, sending a 2026 third-round pick to the Miami Dolphins EDGE in hopes to solidify a defense that struggled to pressure the quarterback prior to his arrival.
Phillips quickly paid dividends producing in Vic Fangio’s defense, a system he was familiar playing in when Fangio was the defensive coordinator for the Dolphins in 2023.
In eight games with the Eagles, Phillips only had two sacks, but he had 41 pressures and an 8.8% pressure rate, both ranking sixth amongst edge rushers since the trade deadline per PFF. He finished the season with 73 total pressures which was ninth-most in the NFL.
Phillips fit well within the locker room and thoroughly enjoyed his time in Philadelphia. He said after being traded to the Eagles that it was “the best thing that’s ever happened to him in his life.” After the season, he said it would be “difficult” if he was not back with the Eagles moving forward.
Unfortunately, it looks as though the stars didn't align. With Jalen Carter still to pay alongside both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean on the horizon, the Eagles couldn't really afford top-tier money - and that's exactly what the Panthers gave him.
With Free Agency now here, expect this to be just the start of the frenzy...
