The Carolina Panthers couldn’t agree to a long-term extension with pass-rushing dynamo Brian Burns. Now, the question becomes if the organization could trade him for a king’s ransom in the coming weeks to get improved draft compensation.
For a team missing their first-round pick in a loaded 2024 draft class, acquiring picks this year could be essential under the new organization regime.
While plenty of teams will be willing to inquire about a potential trade for the 25-year-old two-time Pro Bowler, the Philadelphia Eagles could be the one team able to facilitate a trade that works for both sides.
Can the Eagles Afford Brian Burns?
One of the biggest issues for the Panthers currently is that they don’t want to give Burns the kind of long-term extension worthy of a pass rusher with a 10+ sack season and among the top defensive players in the league.
The Eagles have close to $40 million in cap space, according to Spotrac, with other potential moves to increase even more space in the coming weeks.
Should Burns look for a contract worthy of a top-five defensive player, Philadelphia would have to give a contract close to over $25 million annually. Is that kind of contract worthy of a player who has just one season with over 10 sacks but has been a consistently strong edge defender?
General manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles’ front office have historically been okay with paying players the worth they could grow into. Philadelphia gave other pass rushers like Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat long-term deals as they grew into the dominant roles they have today.
Speaking of Reddick, now that the edge defender is 29 years old, Philadelphia has allowed the former Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent to seek a trade while the two sides work on a long-term deal.
Should the Eagles look to move the dynamic pass rusher, while adding a younger one in Burns, it would continue to allow them to stay ahead of the championship window they’re currently in with quarterback Jalen Hurts and other top players on the roster.
Despite having to still give extensions to other players like wide receiver DeVonta Smith and offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, the Eagles have plenty of cap space to improve their roster by giving Burns a long-term extension, and is the type of player they’d be happy in doing so.
What Would Trade Compensation for Burns Look Like?
Giving Burns the kind of contract he wants isn’t an issue for Philadelphia. They’ve done it before to many great players.
What’s difficult is offering a deal that a team like the Panthers would agree to.
As early as 2022, reports that the Los Angeles Rams offered two first-round picks for Burns but were declined by Carolina have essentially been the marker to where many teams are unwilling to go.
What would the trade market for Burns look like now?
As Carolina continues to drag their feet with a top pass rusher, the questions will continue to be brought to the forefront. At the very least, a team would have to seemingly be willing to part with a first-round pick to even begin those conversations again.
Would Philadelphia be willing to part with a first-round pick and a potential middle-round selection? They’ve done it before.
During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Eagles gave up a first-round pick and a third-roundER for Pro Bowl WR A.J. Brown. At the time, Brown was an up-and-coming receiver, who was given a four-year, $100 million deal in response to the potential of what he could become.
Could a similar deal be what Philadelphia needs to offer Carolina?
Philadelphia has plenty of draft capital going into the 2024 NFL Draft. As of now, they’re expected to have nine draft picks and four in the top 100.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
Two of those picks could be used to bring Burns to the City of Brotherly Love. It’s also worth giving a first-round pick to a team for a dependable NFL player right away. Other teams will be able to pay Burns the kind of contract he wants, but few have the kind of draft capital the Eagles have to make a trade work.
If Philadelphia is serious about continuing their championship window over the next few years, trading for a player like Burns keeps the organization among the best rosters across football.
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