The New York Giants made a big splash this offseason, acquiring linebacker Brian Burns in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. They subsequently locked him down with a five-year, $141 million contract.
The addition of Burns gives the Giants a quality bookend for Kayvon Thibodeaux while also reducing the stress on Azeez Ojulari, who has battled injury throughout his career.
Although the Giants’ depth is a bit questionable after that, there’s little doubt general manager Joe Schoen provided a huge boost to the team’s pass rush with the addition of Burns.
Where does this group of Burns, Thibodeaux, Ojulari and others rank among the rest of the league? ESPN’s Mike Clay has a take:
32
Atlanta Falcons
Lorenzo Carter, Zach Harrison, Bralen Trice, Arnold Ebiketie, James Smith-Williams
31
Washington Commanders
Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Dante Fowler Jr., K.J. Henry, Andre Jones
30
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
YaYa Diaby, Randy Gregory, Chris Braswell, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson
29
Tennessee Titans
Harold Landry, Arden Key, Rashad Weaver, Jaylen Harrell, Caleb Murphy
28
Arizona Cardinals
Zaven Collins, Darius Robinson, Dennis Gardeck, BJ Ojulari, Victor Dimukeje
27
Baltimore Ravens
Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac
26
Denver Broncos
Jonathon Cooper, Baron Browning, John Franklin-Myers, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss
25
Buffalo Bills
Gregory Rousseau, AJ Epenesa, Von Miller, Casey Toohill, Dawuane Smoot
24
Kansas City Chiefs
George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Malik Herring
23
Carolina Panthers
Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Wonnum, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Amare Barno
22
Los Angeles Rams
Byron I. Young, Michael Hoecht, Jared Verse, Nick Hampton, Keir Thomas
21
New England Patriots
Matthew Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Deatrich Wise Jr., Keion White, Josh Uche
20
Chicago Bears
Montez Sweat, DeMarcus Walker, Dominique Robinson, Jacob Martin, Austin Booker
19
Seattle Seahawks
Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe, Darrell Taylor, Derick Hall, Patrick O’Connell
18
Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, Marcus Davenport, James Houston, Nate Lynn
17
Indianapolis Colts
Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Dayo Odeyingbo, Tyquan Lewis
16
Philadelphia Eagles
Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt
15
New York Giants
Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Carlos Basham, Tomon Fox
14
Minnesota Vikings
Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Patrick Jones, Jihad Ward
13
Jacksonville Jaguars
Joshua Allen, Travon Walker, Trevis Gipson, Yasir Abdullah, Myles Cole
12
New York Jets
Haason Reddick, Jermaine Johnson II, Will McDonald IV, Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor
11
Green Bay Packers
Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox Jr.
10
Cincinnati Bengals
Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, Myles Murphy, Cameron Sample, Joseph Ossai
9
San Francisco 49ers
Nick Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Drake Jackson, Yetur Gross-Matos, Robert Beal Jr.
8
Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby, Tyree Wilson, Malcolm Koonce, Janarius Robinson, David Ebuka Agoha
7
Miami Dolphins
Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Shaquil Barrett, Chop Robinson, Cameron Goode
6
New Orleans Saints
Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Isaiah Foskey
5
Los Angeles Chargers
Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Chris Rumph II
4
Houston Texans
Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., Denico Autry, Derek Barnett, Dylan Horton
3
Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, Durrell Johnson
2
Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire
1
Pittsburgh Steelers
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson
