Trade speculation around Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown only grew after the Carolina Panthers were beaten by the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium. But according to a recent report, general manager Dan Morgan is staying firm.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz confirmed that several teams have called the Panthers about Brown's availability. Morgan has shot down any inquiries, keen to hold onto one of their best defensive players.
It's caused some serious debate among the fan base.
Carolina Panthers have reportedly shut the door on any Derrick Brown trade calls
Some want the Panthers to cash in on Brown. They are going nowhere fast this season at 3-5, and with the team's upcoming salary-cap difficulties, they believe Morgan should consider moving a high earner from the equation for the right price.
There is a flip side to that coin.
Brown might not be putting up numbers this season, but he remains a feared, imposing presence in the trenches. He's a locker-room leader and someone everyone looks to for inspiration. And even at 3-5, the Panthers are still fighting to defend their NFC South championship.
Somehow, the Panthers are still leading the division. Every team is on three wins now, but that didn't stop the Atlanta Falcons from trading stud safety Jessie Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That sends the wrong message. If the Panthers traded Brown, they would be doing exactly the same.
Carolina Panthers are not giving up, and trading Derrick Brown would change that
Obviously, if the Panthers get an offer they can't refuse — something like a first-round selection and more — that changes the conversation slightly. But teams are looking for value more often than not at this time of year, so that probably won't arrive.
Anyone expecting the Panthers to trade Brown will likely be out of luck. He's an important franchise cornerstone, which has gotten lost in the speculation. While his performances haven't been up to his typically high standards overall this season, he is way too talented to give up on.
Everyone wants to either buy or sell, depending on how their team is faring. Nobody really wants to stay in the middle, and the Panthers are not ready to throw in the towel on the season yet.
Morgan likes to keep his draft picks. The Panthers have way too many injuries to consider trading someone like Brown, no matter what some fans think. And after all the rumors and hearsay, Carolina is likely to stand pat.
The NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league. Brown's still impacting games, and the fact that several teams have reportedly called the Panthers suggests that he remains respected around the league.
But the Panthers are holding firm as the vultures swirl. And this is the clearest sign yet that Morgan still has conviction in both Brown and the team's aspirations this season.
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