Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesThe Carolina Panthers made a big splash in free agency by stealing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips away from the Philadelphia Eagles on a massive deal.The addition of Phillips has the potential to reshape Carolina’s defense, but did they overpay?At least one person thinks they did, as Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently named the newly-signed Phillips as Carolina’s most overpaid player."Phillips put up a top-20 PFF pass-rushing grade among qualified edge defenders in 2025, but he was limited to just two sacks in eight games with the Eagles as a rental, and injuries cost him the vast majority of 2023 and 2024 before the Dolphins bailed on him," Gagnon wrote. "Considering the 26-year-old has never been a first- or second-team All-Pro or a Pro Bowler, it's pretty wild that he's just the 12th defensive player in the $30 million AAV club." The Panthers may have overpaid to land Phillips, but that was likely the only way they were going to get him, as he had other suitors, including the Eagles, and ultimately his decision to sign with Carolina came down to the offer. “I have respect for them (the Eagles), and I don’t want to disclose what they were offering or anything like that, but they definitely did want me to come back. That’s something I knew after the season that they would be making a push, but ultimately, the Panthers just came with a more attractive offer,” Phillips said of his decision to sign with Carolina. “That just shows the belief they have in me and the belief they have in their team that we’re going to invest in to pieces that are going to take this team to the next level. It was kind of a no-brainer to come to the Panthers.”This story will be updated. More NFL news: Andy Reid provides encouraging update on Patrick MahomesDate of Seattle Seahawks 2026 season opener revealed by NFLJoe Flacco calls out 'dumb' NFL teams for not giving him a starting shotTravis Kelce shares message for Chiefs fans after signing new contractUpdated Minnesota Vikings QB depth chart after Carson Wentz signing