Derrick Brown must stay off-limits as Panthers face trade deadline pressure

Writer Garrett Klaus argues that the Carolina Panthers should keep defensive tackle Derrick Brown off-limits ahead of the November 10 NFL trade deadline. According to a report from Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers are not entertaining trade calls for the 28-year-old standout. Klaus notes that moving Brown would severely weaken an already struggling defense currently managed by interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash following the firing of Ejiro Evero.

The article highlights that trading Brown would make little financial sense due to his four-year, $96 million contract extension signed in April 2024. A recent contract restructure would leave the 3-4 Panthers with substantial dead money against the salary cap if he were moved. Klaus concludes that general manager Dan Morgan must retain Brown as a proven foundational piece rather than creating another massive void on the roster.