Carolina Panthers push Jaelan Phillips for pressure

ANDREW STEIN | CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina Panthers linebacker Jaelan Phillips (5) pursues quarterback Bryce Young during a drill June 9, 2026, at Atrium Health Training Facility in Charlotte. Phillips is expected to give Carolina a pass-rushing boost when after signing a four-year, $120 million free agent deal in the offseason.

Jaelan Phillips stood up to quarterback Bryce Young. 

After an otherwise routine no-contact play during the opening of mandatory minicamp on June 10, the defenders celebrated the potential of a big hit, if the players were fully padded. Young jogged over to put an end to the festivities, pointing out that the offense earned a first down. 

“We had a little 5-yard gain, like a first down, and everyone (on defense) is cheering, acting like it would have been a big tackle, a big hit,” Young said. “So sometimes have to give them a little reality check.” 

When Phillips, a linebacker, took the post-practice podium, the pass-rush specialist pushed back.  

“He came over there chirping because ... I don’t even know why," Phillips said with Young in attendance. “It was like a quick little out route. And he’s, ‘Oh, it’s a first down.’  

“We were like, ‘We don’t care. It’s practice. You turned (up), yelling. It was like a calm chirping. You know him, he’s a chill dude. But he was talking.” 

Phillips’ presence has NFL insiders talking.  

Forging a role in Carolina

After agreeing to a franchise-record, four-year, $120 million free-agent contract, Phillips continued to learn about and embrace his new surroundings throughout the team's offseason training activities. 

Phillips looked – and acted – at ease.  

With the Panthers scheduled to open 2026 NFL training camp Wednesday, the early summer scene could be seen as a moment when the defending NFC South champions started to bond. 
“That’s what it’s all about,” Phillips said. “It’s infectious. So, what can start as a joke, everybody will actually be fired up.” 

The Panthers (8-9 in 2025), who finished with a losing record for eight straight seasons, focused the offseason on infusing the defense with proven, high-priced talent. 

They needed it. 

Two seasons removed from yielding an NFL all-time worst 534 points, the Panthers turned to Phillips to provide what the unit needed most – consistent pass-rush ability. Carolina ranked last with a 26.2% quarterback pressure rate last season. 

Pro Football Focus graded the Panthers’ No. 31-ranked pass rush at 60.4. Only the Miami Dolphins finished lower. 

As a member of the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles last season, Phillips generated 63 pressures, which ranked No. 11 in the league, per Next Gen Stats. The Panthers had 82.  
Phillips also recorded 20 hurries, 14 quarterback hits and 10 knockdowns.

Generating pressure is one thing. Getting to opposing quarterbacks is another. Carolina hasn’t ranked better than No. 25 in sacks over the past five campaigns.  

The Panthers, who posted 30 sacks last season, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the league's third fewest. In 2023, they ranked last with 27 sacks. 

Panthers need more pressure 

Phillips, who tallied five sacks in 2025, has yet to compile a double-digit sack season. He’s targeting 13 in 2026 – at least. His career-high remains 8.5, which he established as a Dolphins rookie in 2021. Seventeen players collected at least 10 sacks last season.  

“I do want to get those sack numbers up,” Phillips said during his introductory press conference on March 16. “Turning all that disruption into production. I’ve always known that I can be a 10-plus, 13-plus sack guy. 

“When I get on that field, man, it’s instinctive. It’s fast. And like I said, it’s balls to the wall, 100%, every time.” 

Phillips suffered a torn Achilles tendon and endured knee surgery in back-to-back seasons in Miami. He also has a history with concussions that dates to his college days. When healthy, Phillips proved his ability to infiltrate the offensive line, ranking No. 12 in pressures last season. 

“I guess, really, the only knock you can say about me is that I don’t have a bunch of sacks,” he said. “Obviously, production matters, but at the end of the day, as long as you’re being disruptive, as long as you’re making an impact and making plays ... this game is about a lot more than sacks.” 

Like lockerroom camaraderie. 

The Eagles wanted Phillips to return, but he chased the Panthers’ lucrative opportunity instead. He has people talking, including Young.  

“I don’t come in with any sort of arrogance," Phillips said. “For me, it’s not about trying to come in and step on any toes or assert dominance or anything like that. It’s just coming in as a humble worker, learning the system, learning the guys and putting my best foot forward.”

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