The Carolina Panthers and defensive tackle Derrick Brown agreed to terms on a four-year, $96 million contract extension. The contract will take effect in 2025 because Brown will play the 2024 season under the fifth-year option worth $11.6 million.

The Panthers selected Brown with the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, he has been a constant stalwart in the Carolina defensive line, missing only one game in four seasons. Last season, Brown had 103 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, six passes defended, two sacks, and an interception. Those numbers earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.

While the per-year terms of Brown’s contract extension are unknown, he will get $63 million in total guaranteed money. Meanwhile, his $24 million annual average ties him with Quinnen Williams for the fourth-highest contract among defensive tackles.

In four seasons with the Panthers, Derrick Brown has 245 tackles, 48 quarterback hits, 21 pass deflections, eight sacks, and two interceptions. He also made the 2020 Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team after tallying 34 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, and two sacks.

Before coming into the NFL, Brown was the 2019 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a part of two All-SEC teams for the Auburn Tigers.

-Lance Fernandez