Panthers send a firm message to teams trying to steal their top defensive player ahead of the trade deadline — and it’s the right approach
The Carolina Panthers have received external interest in defensive tackle Derrick Brown ahead of the trade deadline, but continue to have a firm stance on their defensive leader.
The Carolina Panthers are sitting at an interesting spot going into the trade deadline, which closes on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET. At 3-5 coming off three straight losses, the Panthers appear to be stuck in the mud again. Yet, this team is still in first place in the NFC South after the first half of the season.
That positions the Panthers into any scenario. They could be buyers, sellers, or just stay put and it wouldn’t shock me either way. The one thing the Panthers will not entertain doing is parting aways with one of their top defensive leaders.
Last week, Albert Breer noted that teams have considered whether or not Derrick Brown could be a trade option, similar to the Jeffery Simmons trade. Jordan Schultz added on Monday that teams have called the Panthers about Brown’s availability but were told that he isn’t going to be moved. It’s a firm stance, and the right one to have.
What would the price be for Derrick Brown and is it something the Panthers should shut down?
Just for pure hypotheticals, let’s explore what Brown’s value would actually be, because you never know, deadlines spark action and desperate moves. For what it’s worth, two teams stand out that have been in the market for a top defensive tackle: Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants.
The Jaguars already made their splash earlier today giving up a second-round pick and a Day 3 pick for safety Jessie Bates III. I doubt James Gladstone has another big swing in him after that and view the Bates trade as a pivot after not finding a top DT deal.
As for the Giants, it’s widely known now that John Harbaugh tried to backdoor his way into the Jeffery Simmons deal before the Chicago Bears landed him. He tried and failed, and is still looking for a big swing. The Giants beat still seem convinced that big swing will be for a defensive tackle. So, watch out for the Giants to come in with a last minute push, either for Brown or another top defensive tackle.
So, what would it take for the Panthers to consider staying on the line if they call back? The A to Z Sports Trade Simulator has Brown’s trade value at 427 points. A fair trade return would be somewhere in the ballpark of a third-round pick along with Day 3 picks added in. That’s not worth it. However, if the Giants come in strong and offer a second-round pick, would that change things? What if New York coughs up a first-rounder?
The thing is, Carolina isn’t getting the Simmons package (two first-round picks and a Day 3 pick) The difference between Simmons and Brown is that Simmons is an every-down player and a true threat against the run and pass, while Brown is just an elite run defender. That difference matters. I don’t see a Simmons-like offer coming in for Brown and that’s likely why the Panthers have shut down every attempt.
Panthers might also value what Derrick Brown brings to this team
There’s also the idea that the Panthers simply aren’t interested in moving Brown at all, regardless of the price. He’s a valuable leader on this team and the Panthers have been in this position before where they flipped franchise players for returns that proved to be not worth it (Christian McCaffrey and Brian Burns).
Brown is a franchise pillar for this team. And it seems like this organization learned from previous mistakes other regimes made when it came to moving franchise guys. Just don’t do it, especially if you’re a team looking to contend. Brown is a guy you simply don’t move.
“This organization has shown me that it’s committed to me. And until they decide otherwise, I’m gonna go out and do my job for them,” Brown said. “…“I work my (expletive) off every single day. I show up for the game, I do what I gotta do. Not saying I play perfect, but I tell you what, these guys in here know what they’re gonna get out of me every single day.”
Brown continues to do his job, and do it at a high level, even if the stat sheet doesn’t show it at times. There’s a reason teams are clogging up the phone lines for this guy. He’s a player that teams deliberating gameplan against.
“I would do the same thing,” Panthers OLB Pat Jones II said. “I mean, he plays two gaps at one time. So when you’ve got someone that can play two gaps at one time, it’s probably best to run the ball the other way. That’s the best way I can say it.”
Not only that, he’s a locker room leader and a great presence for the younger defensive tackles in the room. If teams want to continue calling Carolina for defensive help on the interior, Dan Morgan would be better off steering them toward Bobby Brown III. Brown is off the table, and it’s the correct stance to have.
