Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) runs on to the field at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Derrick Brown has massive guarantee for 2025 Panthers defense

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Russell Baxter | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 11:01 AM ET

The Carolina Panthers used the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft to grab Auburn University defensive tackle Derrick Brown. He was a reliable performer who missed only one game in his first four seasons in the league. He put together a breakout campaign in 2023, finishing second on his team with 103 tackles while earning an invitation to the Pro Bowl.

The 2024 Panthers ranked dead last in the NFL in total defense and rushing defense. The team allowed 534 points, the most in a single season in league annals. Carolina gave up an NFL high 35 touchdown passes. Dave Canales’s club managed to total only 32 sacks and finished with a mere 17 takeaways. A big factor in the horrendous showing was the absence of Brown, who went down with a knee injury in Week 1 at New Orleans and was done for 2024.

Recently, the five-year pro had plenty to say about this year’s new-look defense and how things figure to be much different this upcoming season.

Panthers’ DT Derrick Brown did his best Joe Namath impression

“It’s going to be different. I guarantee that. A more exciting defense coming this fall for sure. We gonna show ‘em, let em keep doubting.”

— Panthers star DL Derrick Brown via our @nflnetwork interview pic.twitter.com/0XPgBeUEU1
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 5, 2025

There’s a slew of newcomers when it comes to coordinator Ejiro Evero’s unit. Joining Brown and A’Shawn Robinson up front are veterans Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, and rookie Cam Jackson. Former Rams’ linebacker Christian Rozeboom is joined by edge rushers Patrick Jones II (Vikings) and 2025 draft choices Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

Meanwhile, the secondary has a new look as well as 2024 Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn and unsung Mike Jackson are joined by incoming safeties Tre’von Moehrig (Raiders) and rookie Lathan Ransom (4-Ohio State).

Brown apparently likes what he sees this summer, and now it has to translate to the field. It’s hard to imagine this defense being worse than it was in 2024, and general manager Dan Morgan put a lot of work this offseason into fixing what ailed the Panthers this past season. Of course, a healthy Brown is a huge step in the right direction.

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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