Carolina Panthers Defender Named in Most Anticipated Debuts for NFL Week 1

In just a week the Carolina Panthers will return to the practice fields to begin training camp. Due to the NFL Hall of Fame Game, the Panthers will have an extra week to practice and begin camp. That gives Dave Canales' team some extra sessions as they prepare for the upcoming season. 

Carolina is coming off a 2025 season in which they won the NFC South for the first time in over 10 years. While they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card round, there is optimism that this team is on the right track. 

This offseason, the Panthers went out and made a big move in free agency when they signed free agent pass rusher Jalelan Phillips. 

Adding a piece like that to the defense could really change things in terms of the pass rush. The Panthers are hoping that's the case with the money that they gave him. It's safe to say there's a lot of excitement surrounding Phillips. 

Now, one NFL writer has added him to the list of "most anticipated debuts" for Week 1 of the 2026 season. Here is what Matt Okada had to say about Phillips' debut: 

I highlighted the need for the Panthers to improve their pass rush all the way back in February, and they checked that box right at the start of free agency. By Next Gen Stats' count, Phillips racked up a healthy total of 63 pressures in 2025, including 21 quick pressures (within 2.5 seconds). The former Dolphins and Eagles edge rusher was Gregg Rosenthal's No. 2 overall free agent and could have a significant impact on the entire Carolina defense, boosting Derick Brown, Nic Scourton and the rest of the unit. Phillips' first challenge: causing trouble for Madden NFL 27 cover athlete Caleb Williams.

Phillips' debut comes against the Chicago Bears at home, a team that won the NFC North last season and won a playoff game. They also have rising quarterback Caleb Williams, another former No. 1 overall pick. 

If the Panthers want to pull off an upset right away, Phillips could be the biggest key to that.