New Giant Brian Burns ready to shine under New York spotlight

Brian Burns said the lofty expectations that come with playing for the New York Giants won't bother him.

That's probably a good thing as the spotlight will be brighter on him than ever before.

"I feel like I can adapt anywhere," Burns said Wednesday. "Coming from Florida, you get a little taste of everything. I feel like New York wouldn't be too big for me."

The the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end officially became a member of the Giants on Wednesday, two days after New York and the Carolina Panthers agreed on a trade.

Carolina receives a 2024 second-rounder and a 2025 fifth-rounder in the deal for Burns, who reportedly received a five-year deal worth $141 million with $87.5 million in guaranteed money.

Burns, who turns 26 next month, will be expected to make an impact on a franchise that has reached the playoffs just twice in the past 12 seasons.

Burns said he is exactly the type of player the Giants need.

"They're getting somebody that's coming to work, always be professional, always be a pro, that's number one," Burns said. "Other than that, I'm coming to work, I'm relentless. They're getting a playmaker. They're just getting a guy that's really going to enjoy the process, take it day by day.

"I really take a lot of pride in getting better. I feel like I can learn from a lot of cats, especially on this team. Other than that, I'm a team guy, always been a team guy. I'm a natural leader. I'm just ready to get to work and ready to get with these guys."

Burns recorded 46 sacks in 80 games (67 starts) in five seasons with the Panthers. He had 246 tackles, forced eight fumbles and returned one of his two fumble recoveries for a touchdown.

Last season, Burns had 50 tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 16 games with Carolina.

The Panthers tried to reach an agreement with Burns last year but discussions came up empty. Just last week, Carolina placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Burns, guaranteeing him a salary of $24 million in 2024.

But instead of continuing negotiations, Carolina agreed to the trade that sent Burns to the Giants.

"Right now, the moment is still a little surreal. It just got done not too long ago," Burns said. "I'm kind of overtaken with a lot of emotions, but once I'm done processing -- I'm super excited to be here.

'Once I'm done processing, then everything will come back down, and I'll really sit in fruition. Right now, I'm kind of all over the place, I'm just a little giddy."

Burns was a first-round pick in 2019 out of Florida State.