Panthers news: Derrick Brown signs fully-guaranteed rookie deal

There is more good Carolina Panthers news emerging from the franchise, with first-round pick Derrick Brown signing his rookie deal.

The good Carolina Panthers news keeps coming from a hugely eventful offseason. First-round pick Derrick Brown is officially a member of the franchise after reportedly signing his rookie deal.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the former Auburn defensive tackle has agreed to a fully guaranteed contract believed to be worth in the region of $23.6 million. This represents a huge statement of faith in Brown and his ability to change the Panthers’ fortunes on the defensive side of the ball.

Brown was taken No. 7 overall by the Panthers, who opted to stick to their guns despite Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons also falling out of the top five. He is the only first-rounder that has signed a professional deal so far.

There is real hope that Brown can be a difference-maker on the Panthers’ new-look defense in 2020. He is set to form a significant partnership with returning veteran Kawann Short on the interior that will undoubtedly command considerable attention on every down.

While Brown does need some work on his pass-rushing moves, this is something that can easily be coached up given the talent at his disposal. The incoming prospect faced double-teams on almost every down during his time with the Tigers and still managed to impact games. So all signs point to a smooth transition to the pros.

Getting the player tied up early with so much uncertainty surrounding the start of training camp is another piece of good Panthers news. It will also allow Brown to focus on football matters from here on out until the time comes to renegotiate in a few years providing he lives up to expectations.

Further Panthers news regarding their other selection from a historic draft is expected in the not-too-distant future. Most of them are expected to feature prominently on a defense that has the potential to be littered with playmakers in 2020 and beyond.