Two Panthers Rank in NFL Top 100

Carolina has a couple of studs on the defensive side of the ball.

The Carolina Panthers' roster is in a much better place than it was just a few years ago but still has a ton of room to improve. 

One indication of that is in Pete Prisco's top 100 NFL player rankings on CBS Sports where the Panthers have just two representatives - outside linebacker Brian Burns (No. 67) and defensive lineman Derrick Brown (No. 82).

Burns has steadily improved into one of the league's best pass rushers and finally reached his goal of double digit sacks in a single season in 2022, notching 12.5 sacks on the year. Burns also set career highs in tackles (63), tackles for loss (17), and QB hits (22). He is entering the final year of his contract, set to play under the fifth-year option but the two sides have begun negotiating a long-term deal.

"We've had a conversation. That's about as most as I can say about it," Burns said Tuesday. "I don't have a preference really [of when it needs to be done]. I'm just blessed to really be even in that talk and the opportunity to have that. Right now, I'm just enjoying the process and everything that comes with it. I know I want to be a Panther that's all I can tell you. I can't preach this any more, like, I'm truly blessed to be in this position. It's a dream come true just to have these kind of talks."

Derrick Brown had a breakout season this past year becoming a dominant force in the run game. His pass rushing numbers still aren't where the Panthers would like for them to be but with the addition of Shy Tuttle, there should be more opportunities for Brown to get to the quarterback in 2023.

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