The Carolina Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a four-year, $120 million contract this offseason, and Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles gives the pass rusher a chance to show why the team made that investment.
He could also benefit from a major change to his old team's offensive line. Longtime right tackle Lane Johnson has retired, leaving rookie Markel Bell in line to handle the position.
That creates an opportunity for Phillips to make life difficult for backup quarterback Tanner McKee and give critics another reason to reconsider their doubts about Carolina's decision to pay him.
Jaelan Phillips has revenge on his mind when Carolina Panthers visit Philadelphia
Making his former employers pay is just the icing on the cake.
Bell made his first start against the Los Angeles Rams. Early results showed how steep the adjustment can be, as he allowed four pressures and two sacks on 32 pass-blocking attempts.
The first-year pro has shown promise, and one difficult outing doesn't mean he cannot improve. Still, Phillips has a chance to test the rookie's technique, footwork, and ability to handle an established NFL pass rusher.
The $120 million deal put Phillips under a brighter spotlight. Some critics questioned whether the Panthers overspent for the edge defender, while coverage of the move also noted that Philadelphia did not match general manager Dan Morgan's investment.
That criticism gives Phillips an additional storyline heading into his return to Lincoln Financial Field.
A strong performance against the Eagles would not settle every question about the contract. Even so, it would offer a timely reminder of what Carolina believes he can bring to its defense.
Jaelan Phillips can end all doubt about Carolina Panthers' big investment
Phillips entered Week 5 with two sacks and 16 pressures. He has made plays, but a matchup against a reshuffled offensive line offers a chance to make a more visible impact.
The Panthers also have to make the most of favorable matchups when they appear.
Philadelphia has experienced offensive line upheaval. The Eagles will be without quarterback Jalen Hurts after he was diagnosed with blood clots, and running back Saquon Barkley will also miss the contest with a hamstring problem.
If the Panthers cannot beat the Eagles now, then they never will.
Phillips will need to win his matchups and finish plays. If he does, he can help disrupt an offense already trying to find consistency while giving Panthers fans a reason to feel better about the team's investment.
His quick return to Philadelphia gives Phillips a chance to make an impression against the team that cast him aside and demonstrate fully why Carolina was willing to pay a premium for his pass-rushing ability.
If he takes advantage of the opportunity, some of the criticism surrounding his contract could quiet down.
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