The Carolina Panthers decided they would not risk losing another defensive standout after being forced to part ways with star defensive end Brian Burns in the offseason. The team announced on Friday that they had signed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown to a four-year extension.
Brown, who was selected seventh overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, was entering the final year of his rookie deal. The extension now ties him with the organization through 2028.
The Panthers didn’t disclose the financial terms of the deal, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Brown’s deal is worth $96 million and comes with $63.165 million in guaranteed money. With an average annual salary of $24 million, Brown becomes the league’s fourth highest-paid DT. The top three highest-paid tackles in the NFL: Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs), Christian Wilkins (Las Vegas Raiders), and Justin Madubuike (Baltimore Ravens) – also signed their market-setting deals this offseason.
After being selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team following his first year as a pro, Derrick Brown continued improving his game in the following seasons. His development was particularly notable in 2023 when he set the NFL record for most tackles by a defensive lineman with 103 while also adding 2.0 sacks, 15 QB hits, six pass deflections, and one interception.
