NFL Free Agency: Panthers Bolster Defense with Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips

The Carolina Panthers are making significant moves to revamp their defense early in NFL free agency, securing commitments from linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. These additions signal a clear intent to address weaknesses in the front seven and compete more effectively in the 2026 season.

Devin Lloyd Agrees to Three-Year, $45 Million Deal

Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd has agreed to a three-year contract worth $45 million with the Panthers, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter . The deal includes $25 million in guaranteed money, as reported by the NFL Network. Lloyd, 27, enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, recording five interceptions, one fumble recovery, seven pass breakups, 81 tackles, and 10 quarterback hits. His performance earned him second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection.

Lloyd’s career trajectory has been notable. After a promising start to his career, earning NFL Rookie of the Month honors in September 2022, he faced challenges with consistency in pass coverage and run defense, leading to a benching in his rookie season. However, under latest coaching in Jacksonville in 2025, Lloyd thrived with increased opportunities as a pass rusher. He registered a career-high 95 pass-rush snaps and 24 pressures, whereas also limiting his coverage snaps to 331 and allowing only one touchdown in coverage .

Panthers Also Secure Jaelan Phillips

The Panthers didn’t stop with Lloyd, also reaching an agreement with former Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips. The addition of both players in quick succession dramatically alters the composition of what was previously considered an underwhelming front seven .

Other Notable Free Agency Moves

• Titans Aggressive Spending: The Tennessee Titans are employing a strategy similar to the New England Patriots, utilizing a unique cap situation to aggressively overhaul their roster. They have signed wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (4 years, $78M), defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (3 years, $63M), and cornerbacks Alontae Taylor (3 years, $60M) and Cordale Flott (3 years, $45M).
• Seahawks Add Rashid Shaheed: Seattle has secured wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed on a three-year, $51 million deal.
• Raiders Spending Spree: The Las Vegas Raiders are heavily investing in free agency, signing center Tyler Linderbaum (3 years, $81M), linebackers Quay Walker (3 years, $40.5M) and Nakobe Dean (3 years, $36M), wide receiver Jalen Nailor (3 years, $35M), defensive complete Kwity Paye (3 years, $48M), and cornerbacks Eric Stokes (3 years, $48M) and Taron Johnson (2 years, $18.7M).
• Falcons Sign Tua Tagovailoa: Atlanta has brought in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year, $1.3 million deal.
• Commanders Sign Odafe Oweh: Washington has signed edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a four-year, $100 million contract.
• Bengals Add Defensive Assist: Cincinnati has bolstered its defense by signing safety Bryan Cook (3 years, $42.5M) and edge rusher Boye Mafe (3 years, $60M).
• Broncos Re-Sign J.K. Dobbins: Denver has re-signed running back J.K. Dobbins to a two-year, $16 million contract.
• Saints Sign Travis Etienne: New Orleans has signed running back Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million contract.
• Rams Acquire Jaylen Watson: The Los Angeles Rams have acquired cornerback Jaylen Watson on a three-year, $51 million deal.
• Chiefs Sign Kenneth Walker: Kansas City has signed running back Kenneth Walker to a three-year, $43.05 million contract.
• 49ers Sign Mike Evans: San Francisco has signed wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year, $60.4 million contract.

The Panthers’ aggressive approach to free agency suggests a commitment to building a competitive team quickly. The additions of Lloyd and Phillips are expected to have a significant impact on their defensive performance in the upcoming season.