Nick Bosa struck gold with the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday afternoon, becoming the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. The five-year, $170 million agreement, which carries $122.5 million in guaranteed money, holds an average annual salary of $34 million—over $2 million more than the last clubhouse leader in Aaron Donald.
So, not only is this the domino that resets the entire edge rusher market, but it’s also one that may set outside linebacker Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers in motion.
Buy Panthers TicketsWill Carolina have to up their offer after the news? And will Burns’ camp push for a number closer to that of Bosa’s?
Well, after the Panthers reportedly turned down a hefty trade offer for Burns of three future draft picks (two of them being first-rounders), there is little incentive in not paying their budding stud. Along with the leadership and impact the two-time Pro Bowler brings to their defense, Carolina is not going to have an easy time finding another top-tier pass rusher elsewhere.
Now, this will likely be a pinch-your-nose and dive-in scenario for the front office—who simply cannot afford to miss out on a deal with their premier defender.
If you truly believe Burns has the potential to be a 15-sack player in this new Ejiro Evero defense, you must pay the money it takes to secure him for the long term. Plus, with a first-year quarterback and a second-year left tackle in tow, they have some cap flexibility for the next handful of seasons.
The Panthers must keep following the modern-day model—building around a rookie contract under center by paying the stars who are around him.
