HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Can Jaelan Phillips TRANSFORM the Carolina Panthers Struggling Pass Rush in 2026?

HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Can Jaelan Phillips TRANSFORM the Carolina Panthers Struggling Pass Rush in 2026?

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The Carolina Panthers place big bets on Jaelan Phillips with a $120 million deal, but can he anchor a pass rush that desperately needs improvement? Questions loom as Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen enter their second year—will either make the leap and provide much-needed support, or will shortcomings in pressure percentage and sack totals hold back Ejiro Evero’s defense once again?

Julian Council breaks down Phillips’ contract, injury history, and elite pressure metrics, then analyzes the rookie impact of Scourton and Umanmielen. Key points include the Panthers’ struggles with the pass rush since Evero took over, Patrick Jones II’s return from injury, and a projected battle for roster spots among special teams contributors such as Thomas Incoom and Trevis Gipson. With special teams play likely to decide which edge rushers make the 53-man roster, competition heats up ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Can Carolina’s new-look edge group finally turn the corner?

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