The Tennessee Titans are set to face the Carolina Panthers in a battle between the bottom-feeders of the AFC South and NFC South, respectively. Both teams have a combined record of 4-16 this season.
Similarly to the Titans, the Panthers have major deficiencies on the offensive side of the ball. However, when it comes to the Panthers’ defense, they have several talented players I strongly considered for this week’s “gimme him” article.
It ultimately came down to three players for me: cornerback Donte Jackson, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and outside linebacker Brian Burns. In the end, I decided to go with Burns, who is a very talented edge rusher with a fantastic blend of speed, burst, bend and power.
Brian Burns playing lights out pic.twitter.com/NjhmlB1WAW
— =͟͟͞Blande (@JustBlande) November 5, 2023
He’s also relentless when it comes to getting after the quarterback. According to Pro Football Reference, Burns has recorded 133 pressures and 43 sacks since entering the league in 2019.
The Florida State product has finished each season with at least eight sacks, including a career high 13 a season ago.
Brian Burns (@Fire_Burns99) outside spin & chop spin! #passrush #keeppounding pic.twitter.com/mlKb7gjTs0
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) February 26, 2022
Burns’ six sacks this season would tie him for the most on the Titans with Denico Autry. Adding that type of talent and consistency along the edge would undoubtedly help to get Tennessee’s defense back to being a potent group.
The speed of Burns and Harold Landry on the outside with Jeffery Simmons and Autry rushing from the inside would create a formidable group to get after the quarterback.
Looking ahead to 2024, Burns, who has been involved in trade rumors quite often, might be available for the Titans to sign next offseason if they’re interested, as he’s set to hit free agency.
The Titans are projected to have the most cap space in the NFL and they could become serious players for his services. So, while this scenario is a fantasy right now, it has a chance to become reality in a matter of months.
