At 0-6, the Carolina Panthers could be likely to part ways with valuable assets in exchange for draft capital ahead of the NFL trade deadline this season.
Edge rusher Brian Burns has been a big name in trade talks lately. Burns has put up four sacks and 20 tackles so far this season and would be a valuable piece to any team looking to bolster their defense.
To give up such a valuable player, Carolina would likely be looking at acquiring a first-round pick.
According to an ESPN NFL insider, teams are being told Burns is not available, but anything can happen ahead of the trade deadline. If the team decides to trade Burns, let’s take a look at some landing spots that could make sense.
Why Moving Brian Burns Makes Sense
As previously mentioned, the 0-6 Panthers are in desperate need of starting a rebuild. Acquiring draft capital will benefit them in the long run, even if that means losing assets this season.
If a team is willing to make the offer, the Panthers will surely listen. Burns is not under contract beyond this season, and the two sides have not come close to reaching a new deal. The contract acquired with Burns is one year, $8,895,555.
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The Panthers have virtually no shot at reaching the playoffs this season, and they are likely still several years away from being in the NFC picture.
Burns was among trade conversations this time last year, and supposedly, Carolina was offered two first-round picks for the pass rusher but turned it down. It’s hard to say what it will take for them to give up the player, but a trade would make sense in terms of a rebuild.
Best Fits for a Burns Trade
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are off to a 5-2 start this season but are still lacking in edge rush room.
As the team looks to make a playoff run in the AFC, it would make sense to add depth and talent to their edge rush position. Burns would be a good match for the team as he brings experience and talent with him.
Facing opponents with strong offenses, such as the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins, in the coming weeks, the Ravens could consider adding a pass rusher who can immediately have an impact on the defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles lack depth at their edge rush position, and the addition of Burns would add talent to an already strong Eagles front and put them in an even better place heading into the rest of the season.
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It may be a stretch for Philadelphia to trade away a first-round pick for Burns, but adding to the pass rush production would likely be tempting for the team.
Sitting at 6-1 and the top of the NFC, the Eagles are in a good position to make a playoff run. While Burns may not be the pass rusher the team goes for, they may look for cheaper options to add depth at the position.
Los Angeles Rams
While it’s unlikely that the Rams will make too many big moves ahead of the trade deadline, Los Angeles shouldn’t be counted out completely.
Sitting at 3-4 ahead of Week 8, a consistent and talented pass rusher could help turn things around and put the team back into playoff contention.
PFF’s Brad Spielberger suggests the Rams trade their 2024 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, and 2026 fourth-round pick for Burns. Given the past interest the Rams have shown in Burns, it is an interesting proposal.
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