The Carolina Panthers refused to trade outside linebacker Brian Burns and defensive tackle Derrick Brown to the Chicago Bears during blockbuster trade talks.
One of the biggest moves of the offseason was made by the Panthers after they traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks and wideout D.J. Moore to the Bears for the right to make the first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. But Bears general manager Ryan Poles wanted more than that at the time, and had eyes for pass rusher Burns and defensive tackle Brown.
As quoted by The Athletic, Panthers GM Scott Fitterer believed that Burns and Brown would have been too difficult to replace. Contracts also played a role, with Brown and Burns on their rookie deals, while Moore signed a three-year extension last offseason.
"There were certain players that we never really wanted to trade," Fitterer said. "It's so hard to replace a Derrick Brown or Brian Burns, a pass rusher (and) an interior, dominant young player on a (first) contract. D.J., we didn't want to move either. But it's a little bit easier to replace a receiver than it is a pass rusher or a three-tech."
The general consensus reached between the two franchises was that Moore would be invaluable to Bears’ young starting quarterback, 24-year-old Justin Fields.
"We couldn't get there with just picks," Fitterer said. "So we argued that D.J. was worth a 1, plus somebody else. We both agreed how valuable he would be for a young quarterback, to give him a proper evaluation."
The Panthers’ reluctance to part ways with Burns is understandable as the 24-year-old is a rising star. The Florida State product recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022. In fact, the Bears aren’t the only franchise who were issued a hands-off notice.
A trade offer from the Los Angeles Rams that included at least two first-round picks was reportedly turned down for Burns.
Teammate Brown has had his moments for the Panthers. He recorded a career-high 67 combined tackles, seven passes deflected, 12 QB hits and one sack in 2022. The Panthers will be hoping Brown improves on those numbers.
