When it came to Jaelan Phillips’ decision to sign with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, it was all about the offer.
While speaking at his introductory press conference, Phillips acknowledged that the Philadelphia Eagles wanted to bring him back, but Carolina’s offer was more attractive.
“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.
“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.”
While the offer itself was the driving factor, Phillips was also impressed with what he saw from the Panthers last season. After a slow start, the Panthers rallied and made their first playoff appearance since 2017.
“I think what the team was able to accomplish last year was extremely impressive, and I think everybody kind of recognized the organization as a contender and a team that’s up and coming,” Phillips said. “I think Dan (Morgan) did an awesome job of who he signed, and I’m just excited to come in and contribute to what the team was already doing and the upward trajectory of what the organization was doing.”
Phillips signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Panthers that included $80 million in guaranteed money. While the Eagles wanted to bring him back, they obviously weren’t willing to go that high on a contract.
Signing a player with an injury history like Phillips’ to such a hefty deal is a risky move. Time will tell if the Panthers made a sound investment, or if the Eagles were wise for not matching the high numbers on the contract.
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