Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns has been mentioned in NFL trade rumors for weeks leading up to the NFL trade deadline on Oct. 31. With the days counting down, Carolina might not get as much for Burns as it was offered a year ago.
When the Panthers started trading away pieces like Christian McCaffrey in 2022, they received numerous calls on Burns. He’s one of the best edge rushers in the NFL and was still under contract for two years at a team-friendly rate when Carolina received inquiries.
- Brian Burns contract: $16.012 million in 2023, eligible for franchise tag in 2024
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported after the 2022 NFL trade deadline that the Los Angeles Rams made the Panthers a huge offer for Burns. Los Angeles was willing to trade two first-round picks and a second-round pick to the Panthers for Burns, but Carolina declined the offer.
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Nearly one year later, that could prove to be a costly mistake. The Panthers are extremely short-handed on premium draft picks following the trade to move up and select Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now that they’re considering moving their best defensive player, his trade value has seemingly declined.
On the Yahoo Sports’ Inside Coverage podcast, NFL insider Charles Robinson explained why the Panthers are unlikely to get close to the Rams’ offer this time around.
“Here’s the thing about that. I don’t know that they’re gonna get the two firsts offer again and I don’t know that it would require that again, honestly…You have to have an extension worked out before the deal gets don. You’re not going to trade the assets it would require unless you know you’ve got him long term…I think it skinnies the number of byers that you have out there.”
Charles Robinson on a possible Brian Burns
- Brian Burns stats 2023: 15 pressures, 12 stops, four sacks
Related: How the Los Angeles Rams could get Brian Burns
As Robinson explained, any NFL team that traded for Burns in 2022 would’ve had him for the remainder of that season and all of 2023. It also would’ve allowed the franchise that acquired him to see if he’s a good fit for the culture and system before extending him. Now, a front office must either extend him before he ever takes a snap in that uniform or give up less and acquire Burns on a rental contract.
Carolina made a gamble last season, hoping it could turn things around quickly and keep building around Burns. While that’s still a possibility, the Panthers now have far less leverage at the negotiating table than they did a year ago.
Carolina could certainly keep Burns past the NFL trade deadline and then use the franchise tag on him in 2023. However, that invites an extended holdout and the possibility of Burns demanding a trade. While there are no guarantees Burns will be dealt by Oct. 31, it’s evident Carolina made a mistake passing on the Rams’ offer. If Burns is traded for even less in the coming days, it will look even worse for the franchise.