Panthers Should Prioritize Extension For EDGE Brian Burns

The Carolina Panthers made a blockbuster trade earlier this offseason when they acquired the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears. The price tag was expensive, but teams will pay a premium to have a shot at landing a franchise quarterback. That is exactly what the Panthers are hoping for with Bryce Young, the Alabama product they picked first overall.

With their offense hopefully in good hands for years to come, it is time for the Panthers to do the same with their defense. Right now, the anchor of that unit is edge rusher, Brian Burns. The 2019 first-round pick has been very productive throughout his career and is heading into the final year of his contract.

Set to play things out on his fifth-year option, working out an extension for Burns is something that the Panthers should prioritize according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report. It is hard to argue against that, as there are numerous reasons getting an extension done now would benefit Carolina.

For starters, the pass-rushing market isn’t getting any cheaper. The longer they wait, the more expensive Burns will become. If he hits the open market, you can be sure a majority of teams around the league would present him with an offer and for good reason.

Burns has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the NFL in his first four seasons in the league. In 64 games, 51 starts, he has 38 sacks, 43 tackles for loss and 77 quarterback hits with at least eight hurries and seven quarterback knockdowns in all four seasons. His excellent performance has been recognized with two Pro Bowl nominations in the last two seasons.

However, the Panthers are likely going to have to blow Burns away with an offer to get him to sign on the dotted line. Per David Newton of ESPN, the Florida State product is in no rush to cash in.

“I’m blessed to be in that [conversation] for an opportunity to have that [type of a deal],” Burns said. “Right now, I’m enjoying the process and enjoying everything that comes with it.”

While Burns is seemingly content with waiting, the Panthers should be proactive and aggressive with a salary offer. With $23.7 million in cap space, Carolina would have no monetary restrictions giving Burns an offer. They would avoid having to compete with other teams for his services and could use the franchise tag elsewhere in 2024.

Waiting could be a good tactic for Burns, who would see money signs every time he makes a play in the backfield. The Panthers know how important he is to their team, so working out a deal to keep him long-term and not have to worry about the outside noise would be in their best interest.