Record-Setting Defensive Tackle Named as Trade Candidate by NFL Analyst
While the Carolina Panthers are now attempting to determine whether to trade Brian Burns, Derrick Brown may also be moving, according to a recent piece from NFL Network’s Adam Rank. As of this writing, Burns is scheduled to become a free agent; however, it is highly likely that the Panthers will use the franchise tag to retain him. The pass rusher will receive the great majority of Carolina’s cap space if that occurs.
If Burns continues on the squad, this team will need to find a way to assist quarterback Bryce Young, which may require some ingenuity. In order to address both the lack of other options for acquiring selections and the predicted cap space shortage that prevents teams from pursuing free players, Rank suggests utilizing a Derrick Brown deal.
Given his strength and versatility, Brown might be viewed as the cornerstone of a youthful defense. But after the upcoming campaign, his contract expires.
The Panthers must replenish their draft funds with selections after giving up a lot to acquire Bryce Young’s services in the previous year’s draft (including their first-round pick in April and their second-round pick in the 2025 draft).
Adam Rank: Panthers Should Consider A Derrick Brown Trade
It’s hard to know exactly what the Carolina Panthers will do in the next few weeks. On the one hand, Derrick Brown is entering his age-26 season and the team won’t want to trade away a potential building block on the defense. Brown made his first Pro Bowl in 2023, recording an NFL-record 103 tackles (most ever for a defensive tackle), and should maintain this high level of play for at least the next few years.
However, a defensive tackle can only make a limited amount of difference throughout the game. Derrick Brown may be acquired by a contender in exchange for a championship-caliber squad, but the Panthers are far from contending. With no first-round pick in 2024 and maybe limited cap flexibility, Carolina’s first focus for the upcoming season should be supporting their previous first-overall pick. Getting go of Brown may be the only way for Carolina to provide Bryce Young with quality weapons.
Derrick Brown’s trade will probably be decided by the money involved. Although he doesn’t get off the quarterback very much, the current Pro Bowler is one of the best at consuming double teams and stopping the run game. He is essentially a pass-heavy version of Vince Wilfork from a different era. These five teams are the ones who would give up notable assets in exchange for a player of that caliber.
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