Panthers vet warns teammates about Jaelan Phillips’ tempo in competitive OTAs
The Carolina Panthers were welcomed to Tuesday’s organized team activities (OTA) workout by a short-lived rainstorm, which was followed by bright sunshine and heavy humidity. In a way, it was the perfect summation of a summer in Charlotte, and for the new guys in town — from free-agent additions like Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to a seven-man draft class — the workout served as an introduction to team drills outside of Bank of America Stadium as well.
Those drills were quite sloppy to begin with. Following the afternoon shower, quarterback Bryce Young went out of his way to assert that the offense needed to clean up its early quirks, and he used some colorful language to get his point across. Following Young’s outspoken qualms, the offense began to function a bit more effectively, especially as the fourth-year quarterback began to target wideout David Moore throughout the workout.
But there was an over-arching competitive vibe to the start of OTAs. Both sides of the ball made some plays and brought noticeable energy to the limited contact workout. Pro Bowl right guard Rob Hunt, who began his career in Miami, noted that his former Dolphins teammate, Phillips, has a tendency to bring that out in himself and his teammates.
“I’ll give you a little story,” Hunt said with a smile. “Today, we were getting ready to go out. And we always start with a walk-through. And we were all like, ‘It’s a walk-through. Take your time. Be smart.’ And Jaelan said, ‘Yeah it’s walk-through.’ And I said, ‘Well, he’s the one, guys. If there’s anyone who’s going to change the tempo, it’s me.’
“And he was like, ‘Yeah, it’s me.’ And that is him,” Hunt added. “He’s been that way since the day I met him. He only knows one speed. And I told everybody when we got him that he’s who you want on your team. He’s never going to change who he is. He’s going to go full speed. So from today, from now, from first day until we’re done playing. So, you gotta love what Jaelan stands for.”
Tetairoa McMillan, Bobby Brown sidelined
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (foot) and defensive tackle Bobby Brown (calf) attend practice but didn’t participate in drills. According to head coach Dave Canales, both sat out with minor injuries to prevent further issues.
Brown, according to Canales, was sidelined recently. He said he’s excited about the opportunities Cam Jackson and second-round pick Lee Hunter are getting opposite Derrick Brown in the meantime.
The team also worked without defensive end Turk Wharton (neck) and offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu (knee), as expected. Wharton is recovering from recent neck surgery he underwent earlier this month, while Ekwonu had patellar surgery shortly after the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Hunt noted that Ekwonu is handling his injury situation with an optimistic attitude.
Trevin Wallace easing back into things
Trevin Wallace, who is coming off shoulder surgery, wore a red practice jersey throughout Tuesday’s workout. While he took part in team drills, Wallace wore the red top to avoid getting banged up by offensive linemen getting to the second level of the defense.
“Trevin is doing great,” Canales said. “He had a procedure after the season. He’s fully strong, all of those things. We want to be smart about that. The red jersey creates an awareness as the lineman are coming to block at the second level, let’s just make sure, be smart. Trevin kind of knows as well to fit his area, be in position, but also be smart, there’s just another level of protection for him.”
Wallace is working with Lloyd at the inside linebacker spot. The big-money addition has been impressed with Wallace’s wherewithal within the defense.
“Trevin’s super sharp, really smart,” Lloyd said. “Obviously, he’s been in this defense for some time now, so he’s very familiar with that. It’s been really easy working with him. Encouraging. I look forward to him taking that next step in his career and having a great season. Obviously injuries have hindered his performance so it’ll be great for him to be healthy and just have a season of 100% or as close to it as possible. But it’s been great working with him.”
Jonathon Brooks among those with highlights
Running back Jonathon Brooks, who is recovering from back-to-back ACL surgeries, galloped down the field — through traffic — following a screen pass in the middle of team drills. Brooks didn’t look to be going full speed, but he showed excellent balance as he cut in and out of lanes on the wet field.
“It brings me a lot of joy to see him out there,” Canales said. “Didn’t see any hesitation. Just a lot of speed and decisiveness in how he ran the ball today. Got him on the perimeter on a screen and made some good yards on one of our screens today. And not just me, I think his teammates would say the same thing. I think they would be up here saying the same thing to see Jonathon doing what he loves to do.”
Young’s connection with Moore was commonplace during team drills. The duo completed several passes against the defense in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Moore knows this offense as well as anyone, and he found holes in the coverage with regularity. For the most part, Young was looked efficient and accurate as well.
Defensive back Tyrek Funderburk, who is an Indian Trail, N.C., native, had a pass breakup to end practice. Linebacker Jared Bartlett also batted a ball from quarterback Kenny Pickett to an unknown target.
Pickett also connected with a diving Ja’seem Reed on a nice play by the wide receiver. Pickett overthrew the practice-squad holdover by a smidgen, and Reed was able to lay out and haul in the ball.
Third-round pick Chris Brazzell drew a pass interference penalty on a “go” route against second-year cornerback Corey Thornton. Undrafted rookie cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau also had an impressive pass breakup in the slot against tight end James Mitchell, who is 5 inches taller.
Quick hits
- Canales noted that backup tackle Stone Forsythe was absent following the recent birth of his child.
- Assistant special teams coach Daren Bates worked with the inside linebackers on Tuesday. According to Canales, Bates is getting to work with the group and inside linebackers coach/assistant defensive coordinator Peter Hansen as part of his development as a coach. Bates played linebacker in the NFL from 2013 to 2021.
- According to Canales, free-agent addition Rasheed Walker is taking the bulk of the first-team reps at left tackle. However, first-round pick Monroe Freeling is also reps with the starters as well.
- Second-year defensive tackle Cam Jackson said the rookie who has stood out to him early on in the offseason program is former Duke defensive end Aaron Hall: “I didn’t know he was that twitchy.”
This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 4:51 PM.
