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.
Podell writes:
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.