Brian Burns Wants To Remain With Panthers

The top offseason priority for the Panthers will be working out a contract with edge rusher Brian Burns. No new progress on that front will take place until after the 2023 campaign has ended, but there is a mutual interest in reaching an agreement.

When speaking to the media on Wednesday, Burns stated his desire to remain in Carolina in 2024 and beyond (video link via ESPN’s David Newton). The two-time Pro Bowler is playing on his $16MM fifth-year option this season, but his future is uncertain due to the lack of progress on negotiations for what will be a lucrative long-term extension.

The Panthers have turned down trade offers on several occasions, including the 2023 deadline when multiple teams inquired about his availability. Despite making it clear the former first-rounder was not on the market, Carolina was not able to gain much traction during offseason negotiations. After this year’s trade deadline passed, a new round of talks did not take place.

As a result, the franchise tag looms as a backup option for the team if no multi-year deal can be worked out. As things stand, the one-year tag is the likeliest course of action, and using it as at least a placeholder would come as no surprise given the alternative of allowing Burns to depart in free agency. The 25-year-old has developed into a cornerstone for the rebuilding franchise, recording at least nine sacks each season from 2020-22.

Burns’ sack total this year (six) represents a step back, but the team has dealt with a number of injuries along the edge amidst its overall struggles. As he noted today, however, his preference would be to avoid needing to start a new chapter of his career in a new environment. It will be interesting to see how much that mutual interest in striking a deal will result in progress on contract talks in the near future.

The Florida State alum has been attached to an asking price near the record-setting $34MM AAV Nick Bosa got on his 2023 49ers extension. The Panthers, by contrast, have eyed a package closer to the back end of the top 10 in terms of annual compensation amongst edge rushers. The position Burns is classified as (defensive end vs. outside linebacker) in the event he receives the franchise tag could also become a sticking point, given the projected $3MM difference in value between the two.

Negotiations with Burns will be a major storyline for Carolina after a disappointing season which resulted in a coaching change. The degree to which his stated desire to remain with the Panthers holds true will be worth watching closely when talks resume.