RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesThe Carolina Panthers got their 2026 preseason started with a bang last night— defeating the Arizona Cardinals , 33-30, in a thriller in the Hall of Fame Game. And now, the attention shifts towards franchise legend Luke Kuechly, who will be enshrined in Canton on Saturday.
While no starters were on the field for the Panthers, there is at least one current player on the roster who may have a case to join Kuechly in the Pro Football Hall of Fame some day. According to Bryan DeArdo at CBS Sports , it's defensive tackle Derrick Brown.
DeArdo writes:
A former first-round pick, Brown had the most complete year of his career in 2023, setting career highs with 103 tackles in addition to two sacks, an interception and six pass breakups. After an injury wiped out virtually his entire 2024 season, Brown returned to form last season while helping the Panthers capture the NFC South.
While he's a magnificent defender, Brown has a very long way to go before he can be considered a candidate for Canton.
So far, he has only made one Pro Bowl team and has yet to earn an All-Pro or Defensive Player of the Year honor. Brown will likely have to play at a very high level and start racking up some awards for at least another six or seven years before he'll really get any consideration.
Brown's case also suffers because he's playing in an era with so many great interior linemen. If Aaron Donald returns to the Los Angeles Rams, Brown might fall out of the top-five performers at his position.
Anything is possible, though—and Brown has all the ability he needs to make a run at a bust of his own.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Which current Panthers player is likeliest to make the Hall of Fame?
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