As the Carolina Panthers gear up for the 2026 season, the spotlight is on Bryce Young to find his rhythm. But it's not just about the quarterback.
The Panthers have some glaring needs, especially when it comes to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With free agency looming, there's one player who could address this critical flaw.
The Panthers struggled last season, ranking 29th in the NFL with just 30 sacks. This lack of pressure allowed a 66.3% completion rate against them, underscoring the need for a game-changer on defense. Enter Phillips, a pass rusher who might not be the top name on everyone’s list, but could be exactly what Carolina needs.
Phillips, ranked 14th overall by Pro Football Focus and 3rd by NFL.com, has shown flashes of brilliance despite a career marred by injuries. After joining Philadelphia mid-season, he earned a solid 70.2 PFF pass-rush grade and generated 44 pressures from Week 10 onward. His late-season surge not only transformed the Eagles’ defense but also significantly boosted his market value.
The Eagles would love to retain Phillips, having traded a third-round pick for his services. However, they face the risk of losing him in free agency-a gamble they understood when making the trade. With Phillips potentially hitting the open market, the Panthers have a chance to swoop in.
Phillips isn’t just about sacks, though. His 57 quarterback hurries ranked him 5th in the league, and his 73 total pressures placed him 9th overall. For a Panthers squad whose top sack leaders, Nic Scourton and Derrick Brown, managed just 34 and 35 pressures respectively, Phillips’ numbers are enticing.
Financially, Phillips presents a more budget-friendly option compared to other top-tier pass rushers like Trey Hendrickson. With a market value of $17.3 million and a potential three-year, $52 million deal, Phillips could be a smart investment for Carolina. At 27 years old, he’s also younger than some of his peers, adding longevity to his appeal.
While Hendrickson might bring more sacks if healthy, Phillips excels in overall quarterback pressure-a crucial factor for the Panthers. Last season, Hendrickson was limited to seven games, totaling 23 pressures and 14 hurries. When projecting those numbers over a full season, Phillips’ consistent impact becomes even more apparent.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Phillips’ relentless work ethic and passion for the game, noting the immediate impact he had after joining the team. It's this kind of motor and dedication that the Panthers could use to bolster their defense and give their secondary the support it desperately needs.
As the Panthers weigh their options, Phillips stands out as a potential key to unlocking their defensive potential and taking that next step forward.