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When evaluating the Carolina Panthers' free-agent haul each year, one has to keep in mind that this is not considered a desirable franchise destination for most players. Charlotte is far from the allure of playing in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago, and the Panthers have been a losing team far more often than not over the last decade.
So, when the Panthers signed outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal, it is fair to call it an overpay. But it's also fair to keep in mind that the organization must take that approach until they become one of those premier landing spots.
That's definitely the case for Phillips, whose deal is worth more than the one four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson signed with the Baltimore Ravens this spring. According to a re-grade of the NFL's biggest offseason moves by Moe Moton at Bleacher Report, the Panthers deserve a 'B' for the signing.
Moton writes:
This investment is, without a doubt, a huge roll of dice by general manager Dan Morgan and company. Betting $30 million a year on a player on an unproven track record and a pair of serious lower-body injuries (Achilles and knee) is quite risky.
Phillips, however, has flashed some promise. 2025 saw Phillips appear in 18 out of a possible 18 games and post 76 pressures—the ninth-most at his position.
If Phillips can grow into the pass rusher the Panthers are paying him to be, this gamble will turn into a hit in Carolina.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers earn decent grade for 'huge risk' in free agency
Continue reading...
So, when the Panthers signed outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal, it is fair to call it an overpay. But it's also fair to keep in mind that the organization must take that approach until they become one of those premier landing spots.
That's definitely the case for Phillips, whose deal is worth more than the one four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson signed with the Baltimore Ravens this spring. According to a re-grade of the NFL's biggest offseason moves by Moe Moton at Bleacher Report, the Panthers deserve a 'B' for the signing.
Moton writes:
This investment is, without a doubt, a huge roll of dice by general manager Dan Morgan and company. Betting $30 million a year on a player on an unproven track record and a pair of serious lower-body injuries (Achilles and knee) is quite risky.
Phillips, however, has flashed some promise. 2025 saw Phillips appear in 18 out of a possible 18 games and post 76 pressures—the ninth-most at his position.
If Phillips can grow into the pass rusher the Panthers are paying him to be, this gamble will turn into a hit in Carolina.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers earn decent grade for 'huge risk' in free agency
Continue reading...
