The Carolina Panthers may have made the move that matters most in the NFC South this offseason, and it could end up being the one that complicates the New Orleans Saints’ path the most.
New Orleans did its own shopping, adding Jordyn Tyson, Travis Etienne, David Edwards and Kaden Elliss. But the Panthers’ signing of Jaelan Phillips has the kind of ripple effect that can reshape a division race. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes Phillips is ready to take off, saying, "if not for injuries, Jaelan Phillips may have had his breakout season years ago."
That’s the kind of upside Carolina is betting on. Phillips posted 8.5 sacks as a rookie, followed by 7 sacks the next season and 6.5 sacks in 8 games in Year 3.
Year 4 was wiped out by injuries, and last season didn’t bring the production the Panthers were hoping for. Still, Moton’s view suggests the best version of Phillips may finally be coming into focus, and Carolina is counting on that to make the contract worth it.
For the Saints, that’s a problem. The Panthers and Saints are both positioned to push toward the top of the NFC South, and both teams made their loudest offseason moves with that in mind.
Carolina is the defending champ and the team everyone is chasing, while New Orleans is the club on the rise. Phillips could be the biggest reason the Panthers stay ahead.
His impact goes beyond the box score. A pass rusher like Phillips changes how offenses have to play, and that pressure can lift the entire defense.
New Orleans already knows the value of that kind of player, with Chase Young expected to bring that same kind of edge for the Saints. On the Carolina side, Jaycee Horn gives them a proven corner to work with on the back end.
And this isn’t just about the Saints trying to handle Carolina head-to-head. New Orleans beat the Panthers twice last year and still finished lower in the division. The bigger issue is what Phillips can do against everyone else on the schedule.
If Phillips stays healthy and turns in a season north of 12 sacks, Carolina’s defense could become a much bigger problem for the rest of the league. The Panthers already had Horn and Derrick Brown in place, then added Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency. That gives them high-end talent across the defense.
Bryce Young also took a step forward last season. If that growth continues and Phillips delivers the breakout Carolina is banking on, the Panthers will be a much harder team for the Saints to pass in 2026.
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