The Carolina Panthers have secured their defensive cornerstone for the long haul. The team has inked a four-year, $96 million extension with standout defensive tackle Derrick Brown.
This substantial deal includes $63.165 million guaranteed. With an average annual value (AAV) of $24 million, Brown now ranks among the highest-paid defensive tackles in the NFL, trailing only Chris Jones, Christian Wilkins, and Justin Madubuike.
Originally set to enter the final year of his rookie contract after the Panthers exercised his fifth-year option last offseason, Brown is now tied to Carolina through the 2028 season, avoiding free agency for the foreseeable future.
Selected by the Panthers as the No. 7 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Auburn, the 25-year-old Brown has quickly established himself as a force on the field.
The former SEC Defensive Player of the Year is coming off a remarkable 2023 season where he set a league record with 103 tackles, the most ever by a defensive lineman. This performance earned him his first Pro Bowl nod, alongside two sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and six pass breakups.
With his exceptional abilities, recent contract extension, and the Panthers’ trade of Brian Burns earlier in the offseason, Brown now stands as the focal point of the franchise’s defense. His presence will be crucial as the Panthers aim to rebound from a disappointing 2-15 season, which saw them finish last in the NFC South and with the worst record in the league.
With several strategic offseason moves, including securing Brown’s future, the Panthers are poised to regain competitiveness in the upcoming season.
