The Carolina Panthers have reportedly reached an agreement with edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips, according to multiple reports on Mar. 9. Phillips, who began his career with the Miami Dolphins and finished the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, is set to join the Panthers as their newest outside linebacker.
Phillips’ addition comes as the Panthers continue efforts to strengthen their roster following several division titles and playoff appearances, according to the official website. The team plays its home games in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, and maintains a presence throughout both North and South Carolina.
At just 26 years old, Phillips has experienced a career marked by both challenges and achievements. He was once considered the nation’s top high school recruit before facing a series of injuries during his college years at UCLA. After medically retiring from football due to these setbacks—including ankle injuries, concussions, and a moped accident—he returned to play at the University of Miami after encouragement from his father. Despite sitting out one season because of NCAA transfer rules, he made an impact in his only year with Miami during a COVID-shortened season in 2020.
Phillips said that overcoming adversity has shaped his perspective: “Life happens, and things are going to happen,” Phillips told the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2025. “But at the end of the day, it’s all about your perspective on it. How you deal with the adversity is really what separates the average from the great, and how you respond to that stuff.
“I think the biggest thing is being able to flip the perspective from feeling sorry for yourself or just fall into your adversity, or you could have the perspective of, This is going to make me stronger.’ Really, anything in life that happens, good or bad, indifferent, you can take positives from it.”
After being traded midseason last year to Philadelphia as they sought defensive reinforcements for their Super Bowl run, Phillips contributed significantly over eight games by recording 28 tackles and four passes defensed while ranking eleventh in league quarterback pressures.
Off the field, Phillips pursued music production during his brief retirement from football—a passion influenced by his parents—and continues this interest alongside his athletic career. His foundation also established a music program at a cancer center in Miami.
The Panthers emphasize building a championship culture while engaging in community outreach across both Carolinas through various philanthropic initiatives according to their official website. Fans can access season tickets and premium experiences for home games as reported by their official site.
