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

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?

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.