Pro Football Focus leaves no doubt on how they feel about the Carolina Panthers’ moves on the first two days of NFL free agency

The Carolina Panthers made some key moves the last two days.

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Carolina Panthers didn’t make a flurry of moves during the first two days of NFL free agency (the two day negotiating window), but they made some key additions that immediately make the team better.

So far, the Panthers’ big additions include: pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, linebacker Devin Lloyd, center Luke Fortner, offensive tackle Stone Forsythe, and backup quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Pro Football Focus calls the Panthers a “winner” after the first two days of NFL free agency

On Wednesday, Pro Football Focus named several “winners” and “losers” from the first two days of free agency.

And they have the Panthers firmly in the “winners” category.

“No team made a bigger splash than the Panthers during the opening window of free agency,” wrote PFF’s Mason Cameron. “Carolina began by agreeing to terms with edge defender Jaelan Phillips on a four-year, $120 million deal, snatching the highly touted pass rusher from the Eagles, whom they acquired at the 2025 trade deadline for a third-round pick. Carolina was quiet for much of the day to follow but closed out the night with another blockbuster signing, bringing in All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal.”

Cameron noted that the deal with Phillips is a risk because of his injury history, while pointing out that Phillips ranks in the “91st percentile in pass-rush win rate (16.8%) over the past four seasons”.

He also noted that Lloyd was the third-highest-graded linebacker in the NFL last season.

The Panthers addressed their top needs — specifically linebacker and EDGE — during the two-day negotiating window. Carolina, however, still has needs to address — such as adding some depth at wide receiver, or signing a safety — so while this was a great start to free agency, there’s still work to be done.

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