Despite missing nearly the entire 2024 NFL season due to a significant knee injury, Derrick Brown has been named the Carolina Panthers’ best player heading into the 2025 season—a title that speaks volumes about both his talent and importance to the franchise. The announcement may raise eyebrows, but for those who understand Brown’s impact on and off the field, it comes as no surprise.
The Panthers’ defense was a shadow of itself in 2024 without their dominant defensive tackle. The unit surrendered the most yards and points in the league, allowing a staggering 534 points and giving up an NFL-high 35 passing touchdowns. Without Brown commanding the line of scrimmage, opposing offenses found little resistance, and the lack of interior pressure contributed to a disappointing 2–15 season—the worst in franchise history.
Brown’s absence highlighted just how integral he is to the defense’s identity. In 2023, he was nothing short of dominant. The former first-round pick out of Auburn set an NFL record for most tackles by a defensive tackle in a season with 103. His combination of power, quickness, and football IQ earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, confirming his status as one of the league’s premier interior linemen.
Recognizing his value, the Panthers signed Brown to a four-year, $96 million contract extension in April 2024. The deal was a clear message: Brown is not only the heart of the defense but also a foundational piece for the team’s future. His leadership, both vocally and by example, sets the tone for a young and evolving roster.
Now, as the 2025 season approaches, Brown is back and participating in organized team activities (OTAs). He has reported feeling “great” and appears to be on track for a full return to form. His presence is already being felt in practices, where teammates and coaches alike have commented on his energy and focus. For a defense in desperate need of direction and dominance, Brown’s return couldn’t come soon enough.
The Panthers open their season on September 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and expectations are high for a significant turnaround. Brown’s return offers hope not only for an improved defense but also for a culture reset. His work ethic, resilience, and production make him a role model for younger players and a reliable cornerstone for head coach Dave Canales as he begins his first full season at the helm.
In a league where availability is often considered the most important ability, Brown’s recognition despite an injury-marred year underscores his rare value. Few players can miss an entire season and still be regarded as a team’s best player. But Derrick Brown isn’t just any player—he’s the engine of the Panthers’ defense, and in 2025, he’s back to remind the NFL exactly why.
