Carolina Panthers announce contract decision on former Auburn DL Derrick Brown
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Former Auburn DL Derrick Brown is coming off a career year and the Carolina Panthers want to keep him in Charlotte. The Panthers announced Monday that they have picked up Brown’s fifth-year option for the 2024 season.
Brown was selected No. 7 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft after being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and winning the Lott Trophy.
?️Yeaaaah DB https://t.co/YSCUkN6x98
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 1, 2023
Brown has played 3 seasons with the Panthers. Teams make fifth-year option decisions ahead of Year 4.
As a rookie, Brown made 16 appearances, starting 15 times. He recorded 34 tackles, including 8 TFL with 2 sacks. Brown was recognized on the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team for 2020.
Brown increased his total tackles to 41 in 2021, starting 14 times while making 16 appearances. He upped his sacks to 3 while logging 8 TFLs.
In 2022, Brown posted a career-high 67 total tackles. He had 5 TFL with 1 sack. Brown also recorded 7 passes defended with his first interception.
The Panthers.com article announcing the club’s decision on Brown notes that he will be moving to defensive end in the team’s new 3-4 defensive scheme.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
