After the Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule, and especially after they traded away Christian McCaffrey, speculation has continued to swirl with respect to the Panthers’ other franchise players. At the top of that list is Brian Burns, whom the rebuilding team has held on to despite at least one substantial offer for the emerging pass rusher. 
It was reported last week that Carolina received an offer of two first-round picks for Burns, as teams look to take advantage of the Panthers’ sell-off, and, more generally, the 2022 edge rush market. It was not known at the time which team submitted that sizeable proposal, but it has since been reported by SI’s Albert Breer that the Rams made a “substantial offer” for Burns.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweets that it is believed the defending Super Bowl champions were indeed the ones who put a pair of Day 1 selections on the table. That would fall in line with general manager Les Snead‘s well-known stance on draft picks, and, as Fowler notes, give the team a Von Miller replacement. Los Angeles sent second- and third-round picks to the Broncos for the latter last year, a move which helped earn the team the Lombardi Trophy.
Burns, 24, would certainly represent another major investment at the position, one with longer-term implications given his age. The Panthers have been very clear, however, that the Florida State product is one of a handful of franchise cornerstones who are highly unlikely to be moved. That, along with the fact that the Rams don’t own their 2023 first-rounder, would explain their reluctance to execute even a deal which would have greatly boosted their draft capital.
Fowler also notes that the Rams included maligned running back Cam Akers in their negotiations with Carolina. Akers has struggled to regain his form after last year’s Achilles tear, and his relationship with head coach Sean McVay has reached the point where both sides are eyeing a change of scenery.
With the door seemingly closed to Los Angeles being able to acquire Burns, their attention will presumably turn even more towards Broncos pass rusher Bradley Chubb. He heads the list of edge rushers believed to be available, and the Rams are among the teams thought to be most active in their pursuit of help at the position. In the coming hours, it will be revealed if they are successful in that endeavor.
brian burns is a bad, bad man who is more than worth two first round picks
lol in what year? 2027&28?
They’re starting to be run like the Lakers. LOL!
The year is 2043 and the Rams are on the clock in the first round for the first time since Jarod Goff was selected #1 overall.
Burns is a very good player, but the Rams need a lot more than just him. Offensive line is bad, which means no running game. Secondary is bad except for Ramsey, and no depth anywhere on the roster.
I can see not wanting to trade Burns. He’s a young star at a valuable position. But I would be very interested in acquiring the Rams’ 2024 and 2025 first rounders, just on the chance this team fully collapses.
Yeah, I believe that I may have taken that trade. Carolina knows it’s plans much better than you or I do, but if you figure them to be rebuilding for the next two or three years, those late selections would actually line up very well for when they figure to look at contending. They could do a lot of good with them. Keeping great players is how teams stay good, but in this case, these aren’t low round picks. The Rams also are likely to be worse than they are right now, so I think I’d take them rather than utilize Burns as my team burns around him.
I can see how they might think that they could take Stroud or Young this year, and if he hits, they’ve got the core of a competitor. A QB, two good tackles, a number one receiver, a top pass rusher, and a top corner isn’t a complete team, but it’s a solid foundation.
I would say that your post is very likely what Carolina is thinking, especially considering that two of the players you mentioned (Burns and Moore) were mentioned as “untradeable”.
Of course, I would argue that this team is still constructed as building towards Rhule’s style, and whomever the next coach is will likely want his own scheme. For that reason, Carolina would be wise to consider dealing a few players if they get a massive offer-as they did for Burns here. That’s all conjecture that this point though, as it’s almost 1700 EST.
I get you. On the other hand, all those players might be high level enough to help entice a good coaching candidate. I think most of what feels specific to Rhule can be taken to the curb.
I can agree with that.
I mean, unless the next guy really loves Temple alumni for some reason.
I am not sure when they think the rebuild will be complete. What I shave seen from the team it will be in a couple years min. They load up on OL DL the places they are weak on.
Then in a couple years they can look at QBs. If they need they can bundle up both picks to move up. If there isn’t a QB they want wait another year and do it then. The first year they should be able to get some good pieces.
The Panthers are crazy not to take that deal. They more than likely can get 4 players in 2 years that will mean more to the team and be right in line to be the finishing touches to the rebuild.
I hope they don’t take it not much of a Panther fan just an old man with an opinion. Show me where I am wrong.
Why wouldn’t they go for a QB this year? If Ekwonu develops–and he’s started to come on–he and Moton are a strong pair of OTs. No need to draft an interior lineman high in the first round. They have a bunch of talent on the defense, and they have a legit number one receiver locked up in Moore. Don’t get me wrong, I probably would have taken this deal, and they have a lot of work to do in their rebuild, but I’m confused as to why they would pass up a QB in a draft that has a couple of very strong prospects.
I guess it would come down to who is there for their pick. If there isn’t the one they want then pass. There is nothing wrong with taking a LT in round 1. I think too many teams get a QB with no OL and they get the crap beat out of him. Like Carr and the Texans. Like I said all depends on who is available. They will have competition from Seattle for one they have 2 to move up if they want. Guess it is all mute now though.
Certainly there’s nothing wrong with taking a left tackle in the first round, but they just did that at #6 overall this year, and they have a very good RT. Right now, they’d be #3 overall behind Detroit and Houston, who both need a QB of the future, so it depends how things look at the time. But I think they should absolutely be hoping to draft a franchise QB.
Has the ghost of George Allen returned to the Rams? They’ve lost interest in drafting prospects in favor of signing proven performers.
Sooo I might be crazy but I don’t think Carolina is very far away from turning things around. You have a Derrick Brown, Burns, Shaq, Chinn, Jaycee Horn, CJ Henderson. You just need to sure that up.
Moton and Ekwonu are good tackles. DJ is a solid wr, shenault could be a slot guy. Baker and Darnold money are coming off the books. If you have a top 5 pick, you take a QB. Fill the roster by drafting CB, G/C, RB, LB, TE. Sign a few veterans and you’re competing.