The New York Giants are reportedly discussing a trade that would allow them to acquire franchise-tagged edge defender Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers. Burns has been on the trade block for several seasons — could a move finally be nearing completion?
Here’s the latest on a potential Burns deal as NFL free agency rolls on.
Giants Working on Brian Burns Trade With Panthers
The linebacker franchise tag will pay Burns over $24 million in 2024, but he’s looking for a long-term extension. Carolina cut off contract negotiations even before assigning Burns the franchise tender, so there’s little hope of an extension with the Panthers.
How close is a Burns trade? It sounds like there’s still work to be done.
Trade talks between New York and Carolina have been happening “for a while,” according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. No trade has been finalized, but “there is hope” the Panthers and Giants “can get there,” per Russini.
Connor Hughes of SNY was the first to report hints of New York’s interest in Burns, noting mutual interest between the Giants and the Panthers.
Hughes later indicated New York would send “multiple draft picks” to Carolina for Burns in the proposed trade but did not specify in which round those picks would land.
“The deal is dependent on the Giants and Burns finding a way to agree to a potential long-term contract extension,” Hughes said, adding that Big Blue is not the only team discussing Burns with the Panthers.
New York ranked 18th in pressure percentage in 2023 but had to blitz at the NFL’s second-highest rate (45.4%) to get there. New Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen — whose Tennessee Titans blitzed at just a 22% rate last season — needs another pass rusher to play alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux on New York’s front.
Burns, a first-round pick in 2019, has been incredibly consistent for the Panthers, posting at least eight sacks and 18 QB hits in four straight years.
Given the NFL salary cap explosion and the expanding edge market, Burns could ask for $30 million annually on his next deal.
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Carolina’s return will likely be underwhelming because an acquiring team will be required to shell out so much cash. The Panthers won’t land anything near the package — reportedly two first-rounders and a second — the Los Angeles Rams put forth in 2021.
The Giants won’t have to give up their first-round pick (No. 6) to land Burns. New York owns an additional second-round selection thanks to November’s Leonard Williams trade.
One of their Round 2 selections (No. 39 and No. 47) might be enough for Burns, even though Carolina may ask for both. The Panthers have so little leverage in this situation that it might be challenging for first-year general manager Dan Morgan to get a return package that will excite Carolina’s fans.
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