When the Carolina Panthers landed on a four-year, $96 million extension for star defensive tackle Derrick Brown it was viewed as a move worth celebrating.
However, when breaking down the numbers on the contract, the Panthers may have just landed one of the league's best defensive tackles on a great contract to build a stout NFL defense around.
Of the $96 million extension, around $63 million is guaranteed. That is tied for only the fourth-highest value among defensive tackles. If Brown keeps playing well, it will look like a steal in two years.
But then it gets better.
The annual cost of Brown's contract averages out to $24 million per year. Not cheap but not bad. For context, Kansas City Chiefs' star defensive tackle Chris Jones makes around $31.75 million annually.
Then there is the cherry on top. The deal would mean Brown earns $49 million over the first two seasons of the deal and $72 million over the first three while playing for the Panthers through 2028.
Where great contracts go, Dan Morgan may have taken the gambit.
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