The Carolina Panthers chose to select Derrick Brown with the No. 7 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and now he's signed. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers reached an agreement on a contract with Brown on Friday.

The rookie deal between Brown and the Panthers is worth $23.6 million over the course of four seasons. Of course, since he was a first-round selection, Carolina will have a chance to exercise his fifth-year option as well.

In addition, by signing a contract with the Panthers, Brown becomes the first player selected in the first round to sign his rookie deal. Given that he was the No. 7 pick, Brown is going to have a ton of expectations to live up to as a rookie.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Panthers adding veteran after devastating Derrick Brown injury
Panthers adding veteran after devastating Derrick Brown injury
Panthers Pro Bowl defender dealt terrible injury update
Panthers Pro Bowl defender dealt terrible injury update
Colts’ DeForest Buckner drops hilarious take after Derrick Brown’s huge extension
Colts’ DeForest Buckner drops hilarious take after Derrick Brown’s huge extension

Earlier this offseason, the Panthers lost Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe in free agency. Therefore, Brown will be expected to assume a starting role once he arrives in Carolina. That shouldn't be a problem for Brown, who helped anchor the defensive line at Auburn.

While he was a starter at Auburn for three years, Brown amassed a total of 11.5 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. His ability to be stout against the run is what caught Carolina's interest. The Panthers are hoping for similar production from him in the next few seasons.

For the Panthers, Brown is the first player selected in the first round under new head coach Matt Rhule. Taking that into consideration, hopefully Brown and Rhule are still with Carolina when Brown's contract expires after the 2023 season, marking that the two men have both found success.