In the first of three different “Hard Knocks” series this year, the New York Giants will be featured during the show’s offseason edition. As a result, cameras followed the team throughout the entire offseason, giving an inside look into every move the team made. That includes the Brian Burns trade — let’s revisit how that went down.
Revisiting the Brian Burns Trade
After five years in a Carolina Panthers uniform, Burns entered the offseason looking for a new contract or the opportunity to hit free agency. However, the Panthers weren’t going to let the latter happen, as they placed the franchise tag on him, guaranteeing him at least one more year on the roster.
The tag came as a last resort after negotiations stalled on a long-term deal. That new contract never came with the Panthers, who ultimately decided to trade him to New York.
In this clip from “Hard Knocks,” we see the moment that Giants GM Joe Schoen and Panthers GM Dan Morgan first started discussing a potential Burns trade.
Trade talks happen when you least expect them#HardKnocks Offseason with the New York Giants premieres 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 at 9pm on Max. #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/4ghAnEkNng
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 2, 2024
The Panthers sent Burns and a 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 166) to New York in return for a 2024 second-round pick (No. 39), a 2025 fifth-round pick, and another 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 141).
“Right now, the moment is still a little surreal. It just got done not too long ago. I’ve got my family here. They’re extremely happy for me,” Burns said following the trade. “I’m super excited to be here. … Right now, I’m kind of all over the place; I’m just a little giddy.”
MORE: Why Did Saquon Barkley Leave the New York Giants?
Shortly after the trade, the Giants extended Burns on a five-year, $141 million deal. The extension included $87.5 million guaranteed and a $25 million signing bonus.
The Panthers ended up trading the 39th pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the 52nd overall pick, 155th pick, and a 2025 second-round pick. The Panthers then sent the 52nd pick and two fifth-rounders to the Indianapolis Colts for the 46th pick, ultimately selecting running back Jonathon Brooks out of Texas.
How Good Is Burns?
As a former first-round pick, Burns has totaled 246 tackles, 46 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 13 pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown. He’s also a two-time Pro Bowler (2021, 2022).
Brian Burns goes speed to power, strikes the blocker with great leverage/inside hand placement & walks him back to QB depth for the sack! #passrush #speedtopower #keeppounding pic.twitter.com/Jhxxj8N8oe
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) November 8, 2022
Burns’ best year came in 2022 when he had 12.5 sacks and 63 tackles. However, he has had 7.5 sacks or more in every season (7.5, 9.0, 9.0, 12.5, 8.0, respectively). This comes after a college career at FSU, where he totaled 38.5 tackles for loss and 23.0 sacks in three seasons. In those three seasons, he had 8.5, 4.5, and 10.0 sacks, respectively. He also had seven forced fumbles.
“They’re getting somebody that’s coming to work, always be professional, always be a pro, that’s No. 1,” Burns said on what the Giants are going to get out of him. “Other than that, I’m coming to work — I’m relentless. They’re getting a playmaker.”
“They’re just getting a guy that’s really going to enjoy the process, take it day by day,” Burns said. “I really take a lot of pride in getting better. I feel like I can learn from a lot of cats, especially on this team. Other than that, I’m a team guy — always been a team guy. I’m a natural leader. I’m just ready to get to work and ready to get with these guys.”
KEEP READING: Revisiting the Most Impactful Trades in NFL History
Burns will be joining a completely different defensive line with the Giants. While with Carolina, he played alongside Derrick Brown, DeShawn Williams, Justin Houston, and Shy Tuttle.
In New York, he should have more help, as he’ll play alongside Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, and Jordan Phillips.