We know that the Carolina Panthers want Brian Burns and we know that Brian Burns wants the Carolina Panthers. What we don’t know, however, is when a deal between the two will be done.
ESPN’s David Newton recently gave his take on the tango. He believes this dance, albeit a somewhat intricate one, should be done before Week 1.
Newton writes:
Getting a deal done, however, might take some time. The two sides are talking, but Burns wants to be among the league’s highest paid at his position. The four highest-paid edge rushers average $23.75 million per year, led by T.J. Watt at more than $28 million.
Burns has made the case with 38 sacks over his first four seasons, and his production should only go up in Ejiro Evero’s new 3-4 defensive scheme. Getting something done by training camp, or at least the start of the season, seems likely.
There is a bit of added pressure on Carolina’s end given what they reportedly refused in exchange for their two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher. According to a report from CBS lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones back in early November, the Los Angeles Rams offered an outrageous package of draft picks—a 2024 first-rounder, a 2025 first-rounder and a 2023 second-rounder—for Burns.
So the stakes, as well as the money the 25-year-old is looking for, are pretty high.
