The Return of the Most Important Defensive Player for the Carolina Panthers
The return of Derrick Brown is both long overdue and highly anticipated. The Panthers are coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in NFL history. The absence of Brown is all too apparent, as the Panthers have been atrocious against the run. After an unfortunate meniscus tear, he is back and better than ever.
Digging into the statistics reveals just how bad they were and why. Ranking 32nd against the run, the Panthers gave up 3,057 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns. Teams averaged 5.2 yards per carry against the Panthers' defensive front. Teams were unafraid to push the Panthers, totaling 592 rushing attempts. The season ended with the Panthers giving up a league-worst 534 points and 6,877 yards. The age-old philosophy of opening up the run game to open up the passing game was in full effect here. It took the efforts of star cornerback Jaycee Horn and partner Michael Jackson, performing out of their minds, to keep the passing game somewhat in check. Despite all of these defensive shortfalls, the defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, kept his job. The Panthers are committed to him as their DC, overhauling the defense in the offseason.
Brown was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. A premier defensive tackle, the former five-star was highly recruited before committing to Auburn. Brown was a four-year starter, having his best season as a senior. The former All-American’s senior performance skyrocketed his draft stock, being taken seventh overall in 2017. After being drafted to the Panthers, Brown has been a starter every year, becoming a centerpiece of the Panthers' defense. The year 2023 was the former top 10 picks' best year, cementing Brown as one of the best defensive tackles in the league. Brown was graded a 90 by PFF against the run. He totaled 73 tackles, 53 defensive stops, 27 quarterback hurries, and was selected to the Pro Bowl. The 2023 Panthers defense was drastically better, with lockdown corners shutting down the passing game. The result was teams being forced to run into the brick wall that is Derrick Brown. Brown earned himself a four-year, $96 million contract, with $63 million guaranteed. This contract tied him for the fifth-highest-paid defensive tackle next to Quinnen Williams. Unfortunately, before Brown could take over in 2024, he tore his meniscus, shutting him down for the year.
The Panthers were active in the 2025 offseason, targeting free agent defensive tackles to pair with Brown. The Panthers picked up Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown, along with other key signings for the defense. Along with Jaycee Horn, Brown is one of the cornerstones of the Panthers. The 2025 season is shaping up to be an excellent year for the Panthers, and Brown’s return only brightens what's coming next.
