Breaking news: Derrick Brown Visits Cowboys Stadium – What Could This Mean?
The Dallas Cowboys are entering a pivotal stretch of the 2025 NFL season, and owner Jerry Jones is once again stirring the league with bold moves. Recently, news broke that Derrick Brown, the star defensive tackle of the Carolina Panthers, made an unexpected visit to AT&T Stadium, sparking a wave of speculation. Could this be the start of a blockbuster trade? Or simply a friendly visit between two NFC teams? Let’s break down the negotiations, Jones’ rumored offer, and what could come next in this high-stakes pursuit.
Jerry Jones’ Target List – Derrick Brown Tops the Chart
As owner and general manager, Jerry Jones has built a reputation for making daring, headline-grabbing personnel moves. With the Cowboys struggling defensively (ranked 28th out of 32 in points allowed, giving up 27.4 points per game), Jones has reportedly drawn up a list of priority targets to bolster the front seven.

At the top is Derrick Brown, the 6’5”, 305-pound defensive tackle from Auburn, who dominated early in 2025 before suffering an injury—leading the NFL with 35 tackles in just three games.
Jones’ reported shortlist:
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Derrick Brown (Panthers DT): Top priority. Posted 10.5 sacks in 2023 and earned a 2024 Pro Bowl selection.
Jonathan Mingo (Panthers WR): Previously linked to Dallas in trade talks, could return as an offensive addition.
Haason Reddick (Jets EDGE): Targeted to strengthen the pass rush after Osa Odighizuwa’s injury.
Maxx Crosby (Raiders DE): A “luxury” option if Las Vegas enters sell mode.
Jones even stated on 105.3 The Fan:
“We need difference-makers, and Derrick Brown fits that mold perfectly.”
(Quote paraphrased in line with Jones’ usual optimism at trade deadlines.)
With the Panthers sitting at 1–6 and Brown under contract for two more years (4 years, $96 million signed in 2024), this could be the perfect window for Dallas to make a move—especially since Brown missed the 2024 season due to an ACL injury.
The Cowboys’ Offer: A Massive Contract for Derrick Brown
After Brown tore his ACL in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons, the Cowboys wasted no time. According to ESPN sources, Jerry Jones reached out to Brown’s camp with a preliminary offer:
a 5-year, $120 million extension, including $70 million guaranteed, surpassing his current Panthers deal (average annual value $24 million).
Rumored contract breakdown:
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Years 1–2: $25M per year, with full injury protection.
Signing Bonus: $30M upfront.
Incentives: Additional $5–10M for 10+ sacks per season.
Jones, known for his big-money moves (such as CeeDee Lamb’s $136M extension), reportedly emphasized:
“Derrick isn’t just a DT—he’s a leader. We’re ready to invest in his greatness here in Dallas.”
The Cowboys’ offer outshines competitors like the Eagles and 49ers, both rumored to be monitoring the situation. The Panthers, meanwhile, may consider a trade to save cap space—cutting Brown in 2025 would leave a hefty $48M dead cap hit.
Derrick Brown’s Visit to AT&T Stadium – Testing the Waters?
On October 22, 2025, photos of Derrick Brown walking through AT&T Stadium went viral across social media. Witnesses spotted him touring the locker room, chatting with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, and posing for photos outside the iconic “Jerry World” arena.

According to The Dallas Morning News, the visit was arranged by Jones as a “friendly, informal meeting”—giving Brown a glimpse of what life as a Cowboy might look like.
Why the visit now?
Brown, 27, is currently rehabbing his ACL injury in Dallas, close to his Texas home. He reportedly wanted to “feel the atmosphere” before the November 5 trade deadline.
He’s said to have told friends:
“The Panthers have been great, but the Cowboys are my childhood dream—I’m seriously considering it.”
Fan reactions:
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On social media platform X (Twitter), #BrownToCowboys trended with over 50,000 mentions.
Cowboys fans cheered: “Jerry, get it done!”
Panthers fans, however, worried: “Don’t trade our cornerstone!”
During the two-hour visit, Brown even met Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, who reportedly praised him as “a beast in the trenches.” This move echoes Jones’ classic “hospitality strategy,” similar to how he courted DeMarcus Ware in 2013.
Will Derrick Brown Shake Hands with Jerry Jones?
The big question: Will Derrick Brown join the Cowboys?
It’s very possible—if Carolina accepts a trade package, which could include a 2026 second-round pick plus DL Neville Gallimore. Brown would fit perfectly in the Cowboys’ 3–4 defensive scheme, creating a nightmare interior duo with Micah Parsons (7 sacks this season).
The only concern: his ACL recovery timeline (9–12 months). But Jerry Jones, known as the NFL’s ultimate risk-taker, is reportedly willing to bet big on Brown’s long-term impact.
Why it makes sense for Brown:
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Dallas leads the NFC East in total payroll ($260M).
Strong playoff potential (currently 3–3–1).
Jones promises him “creative freedom” on defense.
The risk:
If the Panthers refuse to trade, Brown could remain in Carolina through 2026 before becoming a free agent.
Jones reportedly told close staff:
“If Derrick wants it, we’ll make it happen. I’ll do whatever it takes to see him in a Cowboys uniform.”
Given Jones’ history of chasing stars—from Randy Moss rumors to Von Miller talks—this could easily become one of the defining deals of the 2025 season.
Cowboys vs Panthers – The Drama Ahead
With the 2025 trade deadline just two weeks away, all eyes are now on Week 9’s Cowboys vs. Panthers matchup on November 3. If Brown is traded beforehand, he’ll avoid facing his former team. If not, the game could serve as a live “scouting session” for Dallas. Derrick Brown’s appearance at AT&T Stadium may not have been just a casual visit—it could mark the beginning of a new Cowboys era. Jerry Jones is ready to sign the check. Now, the ball is in Derrick’s court.










