New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns has been described as a "game-changer" by his teammates, according to Nick Shook of NFL.com. Fellow linebacker Bobby Okereke expressed that his new teammate is a game-changer and a prolific player. Burns was traded from the Carolina Panthers to the Big Apple in exchange for draft picks. Burns was then immediately given a five-year, $150 million contract, with $87.5 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old has made two Pro Bowls in his five-year career and has tallied 46 total sacks. He will join a strong Giants pass-rush core that includes Dexter Lawrence, Keyvon Thibodeaux, and Jordan Phillips. The Florida State product could be an intriguing pick in IDP leagues, as he should finish near double digits in sacks by the end of the season.
The New York Giants are acquiring outside linebacker Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers on Monday in exchange for a second- and fifth-round draft pick, according to multiple reports. In addition, the Giants are extending Burns on a five-year deal worth a maximum of $150 million with $87.5 million in guarantees. The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Burns last week, but that goes away now that he's been traded to a team that gave him a long-term extension. The 25-year-old former first-round pick is a massive addition to the Giants defense moving forward. Burns was a Pro Bowler in both 2021 and 2022 and has recorded 46 sacks in his five years in the NFL. He could form a nice pass-rushing tandem for the G-Men with Kayvon Thibodeau moving forward.
SNY's Connor Hughes writes to keep an eye on the New York Giants as a potential trade destination for Carolina Panthers star pass-rusher Brian Burns, according to sources. There is mutual interest from both sides in getting something done. If a trade happens, it would be the biggest splash for general manager Joe Schoen in his tenure with the team. Burns, who turns 26 next month, has 38.5 sacks in his last four seasons, including a career-high 12.5 in 2022. Adding Burns to the Giants defense would be a big splash this offseason, but nothing has been finalized as of now. The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Burns, so he'll make $24 million in 2024 if he plays on the tag. In addition to being a highly productive pass-rushing linebacker, Burns has only missed three games in his five seasons since being taken 16th overall in 2019.
The Carolina Panthers officially placed their franchise tag on star edge rusher Brian Burns on Tuesday, and his tag number is $24 million fully guaranteed for the 2024 season if the two sides can't work out a long-term contract extension by mid-July. Burns, 25, was the 16th overall pick by Carolina in 2019 out of Florida State. The two-time Pro Bowl linebacker has recorded 246 tackles (151 solo), 46 sacks, 59 tackles for loss, 95 QB hits, 13 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) in his five seasons so far for the Panthers. In 16 starts last year, Burns had 50 tackles (32 solo) and eight sacks, good enough to put him at No. 46 in IDP scoring among edge rushers. If the Panthers can't work out a new contract with Burns, he could be a trade candidate this offseason.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that it feels like a formality that the Carolina Panthers will place the franchise tag on impending free-agent linebacker Brian Burns this offseason. Burns is too talented to let walk in free agency without the chance at an outright signing or a tag-and-trade. The Panthers will also likely look to re-sign linebacker Frankie Luvu as they begin their rebuild. Carolina's offense was atrocious in 2023, but their defense was a strength, so it makes sense for them to look to bring back their key playmakers on that side of the ball. The 25-year-old Burns finished last year with 50 tackles (32 solo), a team-high eight sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 16 games. He's had at least 7.5 sacks in each of his five NFL seasons and is in play as an every-week starter in IDP fantasy formats.
Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns (knee) has returned to Sunday's Week 17 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after missing some snaps with a knee injury. Burns initially injured his knee in the first quarter and was deemed questionable to return. However, he didn't end up missing much time and is back out there now. It's good news for the Panthers, as Burns is their best player on the defensive side of the ball.
Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 17 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Burns appeared to injure his knee at some point in the first quarter. His absence is a big blow to the Panthers' defense, as he's their best player on that side of the ball. The team should provide another update on his status around halftime.
Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns has a plus matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12. Burns has made five sacks this season and just 28 tackles. He's been disappointing for IDP managers who drafted him amongst the top 10 defensive ends, but he could provide value against a subpar Titans offensive line. The Titans are allowing sacks at the second-highest rate of any team. Tennessee starting quarterback Will Levis has been sacked at least twice in each of his four games. With 12 sacks taken, Levis has been sacked on 8.8% of passing plays. Burns' upside is limited because the Titans typically do not throw the ball very frequently, but he has a good chance to get to Levis once or twice.
Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns (concussion) will not play against the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football in Week 10. The two-time Pro Bowler exited the Week 9 loss to the Indianapolis Colts with a concussion, so he was trending toward missing this contest on a short week. The 25-year-old has 5.5 sacks in eight games this season, and his absence will likely be a big loss for the Panthers' defense this week. That said, Carolina is still an intriguing fantasy defense/special teams unit in a potential matchup with Tyson Bagent. Justin Fields (thumb) still might not be ready to make his return.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (head) won't return on Sunday against the Colts. The 25-year-old, who has been the topic of trade rumors since the offseason, was diagnosed with a concussion. With the short turnaround before Thursday's meeting with the Bears, it's hard to see a scenario where Burns is out there. Of course, if he isn't, it will be a tough blow for Carolina, considering he leads the team in sacks.