The Carolina Panthers have signed pass rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year contract worth $120 million, replacing Brian Burns and strengthening a defense that struggled in sacks during the 2025 NFL season. The deal, which guarantees roughly $80 million, was reported on Monday by Adam Schefter and marks a major investment as the Panthers aim to improve their pass rush.
Details of Phillips’ Contract and Fan Reactions
The commitment to Phillips, a veteran player moving within the East Coast but across divisions, has generated a wide range of responses among fans and analysts. Some have praised the move as a significant upgrade for Carolina’s defense, highlighting the team’s intent to become more competitive in the NFC South division.
“The Panthers finally found their Brian Burns replacement! 🐾📈 Giving Jaelan Phillips $120M with $80M guaranteed is a massive splash for Dan Morgan. Carolina’s pass rush just got a whole lot scarier for the NFC South,” one declared.
“Waoooh!!! This is actually a win. Jaelan Phillips… For this kind of deal… It is a good one,” another added.
“Panthers just landed a serious pass rush star. Big statement for defense now,” one responded.
Conversely, some expressed skepticism about the size of the contract, questioning whether Phillips’ performance justifies the financial terms.
“not worth 30ms lol,” one scoffed.
“Panthers just paid Jaelan Phillips $120M like he’s Myles Garrett’s long-lost twin who also comes with a side of glass knees 😂 Good luck, Carolina. That contract’s gonna age like milk in the sun,” another predicted.
“Omg overpay wow glad the panthers did it lol,” one replied.
Evaluating Jaelan Phillips’ Career and Potential
The size of Phillips’ new deal raises questions regarding his recent production and future prospects. In the 2025 season, Phillips recorded five sacks, a figure that rankled some critics given that it was one of his lowest totals over his five-year career. However, he also registered 14 quarterback hits, and if even half of those had turned into sacks, he would have approached double-digit totals.
Phillips’ 2022 season with the Miami Dolphins may provide a better indicator of his capabilities. That year, he achieved seven sacks along with 25 quarterback hits, suggesting that with a bit more consistency, his impact could be substantial. If half of those quarterback hits had become sacks, Phillips might have been among the top single-season sack performers in NFL history.
With the Panthers’ substantial investment, the expectation is that Phillips will translate these potential performances into consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, becoming a key figure in Carolina’s defensive front through at least the 2029 season.
Contract Longevity and Team Outlook
Although the contract officially secures Phillips for four years, it likely includes provisions that allow the Panthers to modify the agreement before its end, as is common in NFL deals. This flexibility gives Carolina some room to adjust depending on Phillips’ health and production in future seasons.
This signing represents a critical step for the Panthers as they seek to revitalize their pass rush, a unit that struggled to generate pressure in the previous season. By investing heavily in Phillips to replace Brian Burns, the team signals a commitment to fortifying its defense and improving its standing within the NFC South.
Sources: Jaelan Phillips has agreed to a 4-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers with $80M in guarantees. pic.twitter.com/SpZuxmCUOP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
The Panthers finally found their Brian Burns replacement! 🐾📈 Giving Jaelan Phillips $120M with $80M guaranteed is a massive splash for Dan Morgan. Carolina’s pass rush just got a whole lot scarier for the NFC South.
— YattaK (@yattakargbo10) March 9, 2026
Waoooh!!! This is actually a win Jaelan Phillips… For this kind of deal… It is a good one
— Biggest Posh (@biggestposh) March 9, 2026
Panthers just landed a serious pass rush star. Big statement for defense now.
— SALSA (@SalsaTech1) March 9, 2026
not worth 30ms lol
— Jared (@JaredSwint) March 9, 2026
Panthers just paid Jaelan Phillips $120M like he’s Myles Garrett’s long-lost twin who also comes with a side of glass knees 😂
Good luck, Carolina. That contract’s gonna age like milk in the sun.
— Michelle (@Chefdoo95) March 9, 2026
Omg overpay wow glad the panthers did it lol
— Offszn! (@ATL_4Real) March 9, 2026
