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The Carolina Panthers have had trouble attracting top free agents as long as the franchise has been around. So, like what was done this spring, they have to be a bit aggressive.
First, the Panthers shelled out a cool four-year, $120 million deal for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Then, they spent another three years and $42 million on linebacker Devin Lloyd.
While the results are still to be determined, a lot of analysts like their approach. Zachary Pereles at CBS Sports is among them, and has named the two big free-agent signings as their biggest improvement heading into 2026:
It would come as a surprise if Lloyd does not perform well to secure the second level of Carolina's defense. At 27 years old, the former first-round pick is still in his prime, and is fresh off his first career Pro Bowl appearance.
The real question is how it will go with Phillips—a massive investment that may have already peaked back in 2022. Injuries have played their role, but Phillips' production has taken a steep dive since his third season in the league with Miami.
If Phillips can get back to averaging around 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and 26 pressures a season, then his contract won't look so bad. Still, he's going to have to best those numbers in order for this move to really pay off for the Panthers.
Other free agent pickups who could make an impact include offensive linemen Rasheed Walker and Luke Fortner—who are projected to start at left tackle and center, respectively.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers offseason: Carolina lauded for going big in free agency
Continue reading...
First, the Panthers shelled out a cool four-year, $120 million deal for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Then, they spent another three years and $42 million on linebacker Devin Lloyd.
While the results are still to be determined, a lot of analysts like their approach. Zachary Pereles at CBS Sports is among them, and has named the two big free-agent signings as their biggest improvement heading into 2026:
It would come as a surprise if Lloyd does not perform well to secure the second level of Carolina's defense. At 27 years old, the former first-round pick is still in his prime, and is fresh off his first career Pro Bowl appearance.
The real question is how it will go with Phillips—a massive investment that may have already peaked back in 2022. Injuries have played their role, but Phillips' production has taken a steep dive since his third season in the league with Miami.
If Phillips can get back to averaging around 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and 26 pressures a season, then his contract won't look so bad. Still, he's going to have to best those numbers in order for this move to really pay off for the Panthers.
Other free agent pickups who could make an impact include offensive linemen Rasheed Walker and Luke Fortner—who are projected to start at left tackle and center, respectively.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers offseason: Carolina lauded for going big in free agency
Continue reading...
