4 Carolina Panthers players who are next up for megabucks deals
By Dean Jones
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
The Carolina Panthers made a big call by taking defensive tackle Derrick Brown at No. 7 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. There were reports that head coach Matt Rhule wanted to trade back, but then-general manager Marty Hurney got his way and brought the Auburn product on board following an outstanding college career.
Brown has been solid if not spectacular during his first two years on the team. There have been times where the player has flashed true brilliance despite generating so many double teams, but one could argue that he should be more consistent in key moments.
Of course, Brown is being held to a higher standard than most considering where he was drafted. Carolina is asking a lot from the lineman and he’s coped well overall, but 2022 is a critical season for the player as he looks to take that next leap in terms of production.
The Panthers lost DaQuan Jones to the Buffalo Bills in free agency and signed Matt Ioannidis following his release from the Washington Commanders. So the coaching staff will be expecting Brown to make a significant leap in Year 3 of his professional career.
If Brown can do this, then a big-money deal might not be too far behind. He has every physical attribute imaginable, so putting it all together on almost every down is the next big challenge facing the player.
Should Brown accomplish this, then the sky is the limit.