As a freshman in 2016, Brown's recorded 11 tackles with a sack and fumble recovery.[2] As a sophomore in 2017, Brown started in all 12 games, recorded 49 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for a loss, and 2 forced fumbles.[2] Brown earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors as a junior, with 48 tackles including 10.5 for a loss and 4.5 sacks. As a senior, he had 55 tackles including 12.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups, earning himself All-American honors and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.[3][4]
Brown was selected seventh overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2020 NFL draft.[3] He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2020,[7] worth a fully guaranteed $23.621 million.[8] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Panthers on December 7, 2020,[9] and activated on December 11.[10] In Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers, Brown recorded his first two career sacks on Aaron Rodgers during the 24–16 loss.[11]
In Week 1 of the 2021 season against the New York Jets, Brown recorded his first sack of the season on Zach Wilson in the 19–14 win.[12]
In Week 3 of the 2022 season against the New Orleans Saints, Brown recorded his first career interception on Jameis Winston in the Panthers' 22–14 win.[13]
On April 8, 2024, the Panthers signed Brown to a four-year, $96 million extension, with $63.165 million guaranteed.[14]