Former Eagles pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips signs four-year deal with Panthers as free agency opens
Drew Hallowell / Philadelphia Eagles
On the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period, one of the Eagles’ top priorities is heading south.
Despite the Eagles reportedly making a hard push to re-sign standout pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, the Carolina Panthers beat them to the finish line. Last year’s NFC South champions and Phillips have agreed to a four-year, $120 million deal.
Jordan Schultz first reported the news.
Phillips, one of the top defensive free agents this offseason, is now the seventh-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL with a $30 million average annual salary. With the Eagles containing two young edge rushers in Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, it was hard to imagine general manager Howie Roseman and co. looking to spend that type of cash on Phillips.
Phillips, who struggled with injuries over his first four years in the league with the Miami Dolphins, was traded to Philadelphia just prior to the trade deadline. He made an immediate impact in his reunion with Vic Fangio, totaling 28 tackles, seven quarterback hits, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in eight games. He entered a depleted pass rush group in Week 10, and from that point forward, they became one of the best units in the NFL.
The 26-year-old thrived in Philadelphia and, on numerous occasions, noted that the trade rejuvenated his career and was “the best thing that has ever happened to him.” Now, it has earned him a ton of money.
The Eagles host the Panthers this season.
The Eagles will now have to address their edge-rushing unit with Phillips’ exit. They only have Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, and Jose Ramirez rostered. Dallas Goedert, Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, Jahan Dotson, Brandon Graham, Marcus Epps, and Adoree’ Jackson remain the other notable free agents for the Eagles. They are also reportedly working to get an extension done with Jalen Carter, whose name has been tossed around in trade talk recently.
Benjamin Goldstein
Benjamin has been covering Philly Sports for Philly Sports Reports since 2017. He is a podcaster, writer, and founder of Philly Sports Reports. Benjamin is also an intern at the WBCB Sports Network on 1490AM. Through Philly Sports Reports, Benjamin has gotten the opportunity to meet Phillies owner John Middleton in his suite and be honored as the Philadelphia sports fan of the week for KYW News Radio. He hopes to be reporting on Philly sports as a full-time job in the future.
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