Panthers receive more praise for free-agent spending spree

Normally, the Carolina Panthers tend not to spend a lot of money on outside free agents. This year, however, was a big exception to the rule.

General manager Dan Morgan went on the prowl as soon as the legal tampering period began, and ended up dishing out just over $200 million in free agency—the fifth-highest mark in the league.

While their biggest deal with outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips has gotten some negative reviews, not everyone agrees. Garrett Podell at CBS Sports loves all of their major moves, and sees the Phillips signing as the crown jewel.

They signed arguably the best edge rusher (Jaelan Phillips), the best inside linebacker (Devin Lloyd) and the best offensive tackle (Rasheed Walker) who were available in free agency. Phillips is the crown jewel of their free agency class. He registered the fourth-highest quarterback pressure rate (18.8%) in the NFL in 2025… That’s why Carolina made him the highest-paid, non-QB in free agency history with a $30 million average-per-year salary. He’ll be a massive help to the Panthers’ pass rush, which was one of their weak spots a year ago.

They signed arguably the best edge rusher (Jaelan Phillips), the best inside linebacker (Devin Lloyd) and the best offensive tackle (Rasheed Walker) who were available in free agency. Phillips is the crown jewel of their free agency class. He registered the fourth-highest quarterback pressure rate (18.8%) in the NFL in 2025… That’s why Carolina made him the highest-paid, non-QB in free agency history with a $30 million average-per-year salary. He’ll be a massive help to the Panthers’ pass rush, which was one of their weak spots a year ago.

Phillips’ pressure rate is undeniably impressive—and he’s shown double-digit sack potential in the past, even if he hasn’t reached 10.0 in a season yet. However, he’s going to have to play at a really high level in order justify the massive investment that the Panthers have made in him.

Carolina’s other big-ticket items should age well, though. Lloyd has a fair-market contract (three years, $42 million) and is just entering his prime athletic years. His presence in the middle of Ejiro Evero’s defense should make a huge difference, especially in coverage.

Meanwhile, if Walker (one year, $4 million) winds up starting at left tackle, he could turn out to be the league’s best bargain at the position—even considering how much of the $6 million in incentives he reaches.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers receive more praise for free-agent spending spree