Carolina Panthers weighing ‘all options’ regarding Brian Burns’ future
Dan Morgan, the new Panthers general manager, updated the status of Brian Burns on Tuesday, letting everyone know where negotiations stand with one of Carolina’s most dynamic players.
There aren’t many details now, but there could be by the end of the work week. As for a new contract, the Panthers boss said, ”We’re still working through those conversations. Actually meeting with his agent, Todd France, within the next couple of days. We’ll have a little more clarity on the situation after that. But we’re working on it.”
The Panthers selected Burns, the former Florida State star, in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Carolina kept Burns, the ace pass rusher, on the team last season by picking up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
It appears the Panthers and Burns are about $3 million apart.
ESPN reported last week that Burns would like a contract in the neighborhood of $30 million a year. That would place him amongst the highest-paid defensive linemen in the NFL. Last season, Nick Bosa earned the most of any NFL defender at $34 million. He surpassed Aaron Donald, who was at $31.7 million. T.J. Watt earned $28 million.
After ESPN reported the number, The Athletic confirmed that the Panthers were offering $27 million. Keep in mind that sides started negotiating before last season even started. Then again, Carolina has a new GM.
The other option is to use the franchise tag on Burns. That would cost $24 million. Morgan did offer some clarity on that issue.
“We would definitely use it if we had to use it,” Morgan told reporters at the NFL Combine. “And we love Brian. Brian’s a Panther. Somebody that I know, that I’m close to. I played with his brother. So, definitely love Brian. But all options are on the table.”
Burns dealt with an ankle issue last season. His sack totals dropped from a career high 12.5 in 2022 to eight last fall. It was the fewest of his career since he notched seven as a rookie.
“Dealing with injury, a lot of things play into your head,” Burns told reporters last month after the Panthers ended their season. “I dealt with a lot of stuff mentally and emotionally but I think it’s going to make me stronger.”
The Panthers, like all other NFL teams, have until March 5 to make a decision about whom to franchise tag. Such contracts are for one year, with the paycheck determined by position. Burns could either accept the deal or sit out the season. Carolina hasn’t used the tag since 2021.