The NFL 2020 draft took place 2 weeks ago in a virtual format. 32 players were selected in the first round. However, just on Friday night, the 7th overall draft pick Derrick Brown reached an agreement with his new franchise in the Carolina Panthers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Get Franchise High Primetime Games for 2020 NFL Season
Carolina Panthers reach 4-year agreement with Derrick Brown
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As per NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the NFC franchise reached a four-season $23.61 million deal with their top draft pick. While the deal is until the 2023 season, ‘The Panthers’ decide Brown’s home for 2024 too. The Panthers will be pleased with this as it highlights the player’s commitment to the team.
First-round pick Derrick Brown and the Carolina Panthers reached agreement on a 4-year, fully-guaranteed deal worth $23.621 million, per his agent @RosenhausSports. Brown is the first player selected in the first round this year to agree to terms.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2020
On April 23rd, ‘The Panthers’ added Auburn’s defensive tackle, Derrick Brown, to their ranks. He was ranked as the top defensive tackle of the draft class and lived up to pre-draft expectations.
They prioritized the defensive tackle over linebacker Isaiah Simmons as the backroom envisioned him making a quick impact alongside Kawann Short. The Pro Bowler spent the 2019 season on the injury reserve list due to a shoulder injury.
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USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The Panthers GM Marty Hurney earlier detailed out what prompted him to go for the defensive tackle over linebacker Simmons. “We had them very close together, obviously. We believed you start building from the front. Derrick not only helps Short and the rest of the defensive line. He helps the linebacker. He’s a big powerful player and he’s got a good first step.”
Later the ESPN report, spoke about how it is imperative that the team builds a good defense. This is because they play in the same division as Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tom Brady and New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees and will face both sides twice.
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Based on Hurney’s post-draft comments he will expect Brown to hit the ground running when the Panthers open their season against the newly rebranded Las Vegas Raiders on September 13.
Other draft picks like Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa are yet to sign deals with their new teams. Their fans hope that the formalities are completed sooner rather than later.
