Derrick Brown prepping for extended stay with Panthers

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown sacks Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield in a Jan. 7, 2024 game at Bank of America Stadium. Brown,, who set an NFL single-season record for tackles by a defensive lineman with 103, signed a four-year extension on April 5.

Derrick Brown’s 2023 season was the rare occasion for the Carolina Panthers to celebrate.

Brown, who set an NFL record for tackles by a defensive lineman in a season with 103, was rewarded with a long-term extension. To help rebound from a league-worst 2-15 season, the Panthers’ new hierarchy of general manager Dan Morgan and coach Dave Canales, green-lighted a new deal for Brown, 25, for his leadership potential and down-the-line grit.

“I thought I’ve been a leader,” Brown said Wednesday during a Zoom call with reporters. “I definitely let my opinion be heard when it needs to be heard.”

Standing in the locker room after the season-ending loss to Tampa Bay, Brown spoke of the Panthers’ record, but couldn’t fully disconnect from the 15 losses. He wanted the season to continue.

“A lot of emotions,” Brown said. “The season is coming to an end. It’s tough not being able to play next week.”

As Brown settled into his offseason routine, Brown allowed his agent to handle the early contract negotiations. With the details settled, Brown, surrounded by family, inked a four-year, $96 million extension on April 5.

Two days later, Brown, flanked by new teammates, opened off-season training at Bank of America Stadium.

Gone is good friend Brian Burns, among others.

In their place are new faces and different talents. Different personalities, like 2014 No. 1 overall draft pick and Rock Hill, S.C., native Jadeveon Clowney.

While hearing of players’ movement from afar, Brown said he was one of the first to reach out to Burns after his trade to the New York Giants to congratulate him on his new five-year, $141 million contract.

"Kinda just stayed away from it,” Brown said. “I spent the offseason doing what I normally do, being a dad and training. So, when the [extension] opportunity came about and the contract talks started, then I was excited and then it got done."

Brown was asked about Canales and the veteran mentioned his energy around the complex. The first-year coach was captured on social media greeting players as they entered a team meeting.

“Coach Canales is a great guy,” Brown said. “Even from the Monday that we got back in and we started back up, he set the goal for us moving forward. It’s just let’s back to the basics and let’s just play ball, and let’s do it that way and let’s do it the right way.”

Brown comfortable with coaches, environment

One of the league’s top run-stoppers, Brown played a key role last season as defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero engineered a philosophical change to a base 3-4.

Evero, who engaged in interviews for head-coaching opportunities the past two seasons, returned to the Panthers, despite the GM and coaching changes, to refine his defensive practices. Defensive line coach Todd Wash, who challenged Brown at times last season, also will return.

The internal stability helped sell Brown on staying in Charlotte through 2028.

“Getting Coach E back was a huge thing for me,” Brown said. “Also, having Todd Wash back as our D-line coach. This is the first time in my career I’ve had the same D-line coach two years in a row. So, just being able to have familiarity around the building and being able to stay in the system and know the system and just keep going within the system, I think that’s been awesome.”

Now, with $63 million in guaranteed money coming from the Panthers, Brown said it could be time to approach the family about splurging for an outdoor pool.

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