Breaking: Brian Burns traded by the Panthers to the Giants Spider-Man is in motion.
Pass rusher Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract after more than a year of negotiations. The Panthers chose to let go of one of the best players in the league after placing Burns under the franchise tag last week.
The Panthers are sending Burns and a 2025 fifth round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2024 second (No. 39) and a 2025 fifth round pick, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
During his five years in Carolina, the former first-round choice amassed 246 tackles, 95 QB hits, 59 tackles for loss, 46 sacks, 13 passes defended, eight forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
When GM Dan Morgan said, “all options are on the table” about Burns’ future at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last month, it felt like GM jargon at the moment. As it happens, he meant it.
Throughout the year and in his farewell interview, Burns told reporters on multiple occasions that he wanted to stay in Carolina but that he recognized it’s a business.
The best action I can take is to prepare. I’m prepared to stay if it turns out that they do wish to keep me here. Additionally, I’m prepared if it turns out that I have to relocate. I’ll be okay as long as I’m prepared from every viewpoint.”
Burns leaving for New York and Frankie Luvu agreeing to a three-year contract with the Washington Commanders would significantly alter the Panthers defense, which were third in the NFL in total defense (293.9 yards per game).
The Panthers will have more money to spend in free agency as a result of not having two large contracts on the books, but that is the only bright side of both departures.
