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Carolina Panthers End Up With Three Top 15 Signings From NFL Free Agency Period

Safe to say the Panthers have had an incredible offseason so far
Preston Palm|
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) and Jacksonville Jaguars safety Eric Murray (29) celebrate after an interception against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) and Jacksonville Jaguars safety Eric Murray (29) celebrate after an interception against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have been one of the biggest stories in the league during this offseason's free agency. The Panthers clearly knew who they wanted to pursue this offseason to elevate their team and remain contenders in the NFC South, and they weren’t afraid to spend, and spend big. 

How good were the Panthers’ signings, though? There’s no real way of knowing until Football season gets back underway, but some analysts have an idea of where the Panthers’ signings rank amongst all free agency moves this offseason, and it’s safe to say the Panthers did well in the eyes of most.

Sports Illustrated’s Eva Geitheim, Karl Rasmussen, and Mike Kadlick collectively released their top 50 signings so far, and believe the Panthers are big winners in free agency. 

Rasheed Walker Barely Cracks The Top 15

Rasheed Walker against the Carolina Panthers
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker (63) and running back Chris Brooks (30) are shown during the first quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Panthers had to address the left tackle spot at some point this offseason, whether it was through free agency or through the NFL Draft. The Panthers elected to look towards the free-agent market, one that wasn’t littered with left tackles but had its gems, and they may have found the best one yet. 

Rasheed Walker ranks 14th in SI’s top 50 signings, which is the highest amongst left tackles signed this offseason. As of right now, Walker is the short-term solution for the left tackle spot since Ikem Ekwonu likely won’t play this year due to injury. 

Walker has a ton of starting experience, starting 48 straight games for the Green Bay Packers before resting in week 18 of the 2025 season. Oh, and the Panthers only signed him to a one-year, $4 million deal, which is absurdly cheap for a young, proven left tackle in the NFL.

The price alone makes a top 15 placement justified, then adding in how Walker is still just 26 years old, has playoff experience, and is known to excel in pass coverage, especially, it’s a huge win for Carolina and could be a huge win for Bryce Young, so yes, top 15 makes perfect sense. 

Jaelan Phillips Signing Squeezes Into Top 5

Jaelan Phillips against the Detroit Lion
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 Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The most notable signing Carolina made this season, and one of the biggest blockbuster signings this free agency period, was the Panthers’ top priority this offseason: improving the pass rush, as Carolina ranked last in the league in quarterback hits. Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers ranked fourth in Si’s top 50.

The Jaelan Phillips signing was a surprise to most. Insiders and analysts thought the Philadelphia Eagles would retain him, but then the Panthers came in with a monster offer that had no chance of being matched. Phillips signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Panthers.

Phillips does have a lengthy injury history, but when he’s fully healthy, he generates pressure with the best of the NFL. Seeing Phillips that high is a little surprising, not because of his talent, but because of the price Carolina paid for him.

It’s certainly a slight overpay for someone who hasn’t had a 10 sack season yet, but the Panthers were right to be desperate for pass rush help, and signing a young, really good edge rusher is going to work wonders for the Panthers' defense. So while fourth is a little higher than expected, it’s not ridiculous.

Devin Lloyd Ranks 2nd in the Top 50 Signings

Devin Lloyd against the Cardinals
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

No surprise here, the Devin Lloyd signing was the best blend of acquiring a great talent and getting him for an amazing price. Devin Lloyd was tied for second in interceptions in the league last year and was second-team all-pro. Lloyd had by far the best year of his career, and yet the Panthers signed him to a three-year, $42 million deal. 

Another one of Carolina’s biggest needs was an inside linebacker, specifically one who can thrive in pass coverage, and Lloyd fits that description and then some based on his 2025 season. This was a complete homerun for the Panthers, and the number two ranking is completely warranted. 

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Preston Palm
PRESTON PALM

Preston is an experienced sports writer focusing on NFL, College Football, NBA, and MMA topics. He is a passionate Charlotte and Oklahoma sports fan and graduated from the University of Science and Arts Oklahoma in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree with a focus in journalism.