Defending support: Panthers' Derrick Brown backs, lauds QB Bryce Young

In the finale of the lost 2023 NFL campaign, Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Derrick Brown disengaged a blocker and hustled down the line of scrimmage to bring down Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White following a four-yard gain at Bank of America Stadium.

It was a historic moment. The Panthers' organization briefly celebrated Brown's 99th tackle with a video tribute, marking a league record for tackles by a defensive lineman. Two plays later, Brown aggressively stood up quarterback Baker Mayfield, denying his former teammate more than a two-yard gain, causing a brief on-field scuffle. 

Brown finished with 103 tackles during the 2-15 campaign, lowlighted by a series of dysfunctional front-office and coaching moves and inconsistent quarterback play from then-rookie Bryce Young. Brown often defended the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, preaching patience. 

Even when lost for the season during the '24 opener, Brown maintained a locker-room voice and continued backing Young when he was benched following two starts. 

Brown's presence carries significant weight within the 2025 NFC South-champion franchise. His defense of Young, who earned a fifth season on his rookie contract, remains consistent.

"He's our guy," Brown said on Green Light with Chris Long. "People don't wanna admit how good he's becoming, because they have to go back and admit how wrong they were. 

"As we all know, people don't like doing that."

Panthers' Derrick Brown continues defending Bryce Young

With Brown returning to his Pro Bowl-level form last season and Young discovering success throwing downfield, the Panthers finished 8-9, but earned their first trip to the playoffs since 2017.

After focusing mostly on short throws in the flats throughout his opening 2-plus seasons, Young tied for 26th with an 87.8 passer rating last season, and the offense's explosive play rate hovered at 4.5 percent, fourth worst in the league. But Young is slowly rediscovering his big-play ability. The 2021 Heisman Trophy recipient earned the NFL's top passing grade (99.7) on throws of 20 or more yards. 

Young, who remains in line to receive a long-term extension if his improvement arc continues next fall, finished with career-highs in passing yards (3,011) and touchdowns (23) last season. 

Brown remains optimistic that Young will connect on additional big passing plays in '26 with rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan returning and rookie 'favorite' Chris Brazzell II joining the wide receiver corps.

"He took the benching and, man, he just came in to work every single day and killed it," Brown said. "He didn't care. He went right back to doing what he does and to him, it was about playing football."