At 0-5, not much has gone right for the Carolina Panthers so far this season. Bryce Young hasn’t had time in the pocket, and his receivers have struggled to create separation. But he’s not the only one to blame. The defense, which features talent like Brian Burns, hasn’t held up their end of the bargain either, allowing 28.8 points per game.
Making matters worse is the fact that the Panthers don’t even hold their own first-round pick heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s due to the trade up to No. 1 overall last year.
As a result of their decisions, we may see the Panthers try and get creative to increase their draft capital before next April’s player selection process takes place. After all, this young roster needs to improve somehow, and convincing veteran free agents to join a losing atmosphere may be easier said than done.
But it’s not like the Panthers don’t have plenty of talent they could reasonably part with if they wanted.
The headliner of that group features two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, setting him up for free agency this offseason. The Panthers have the option to place the franchise tag on their sack artist, but what if Burns prefers a change of scenery after five consecutive losing seasons in Carolina?
So far, the two sides have been unable to find common ground on an extension. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently recalled how the Panthers were offered two first-round picks plus a third-round selection for Burns a season ago but chose to turn down the offer in hopes of either reaching a long-term agreement or showing they could compete this season. Neither has happened.
But thanks to Burns’s contract status, along with Carolina’s continued woes, trade conversations surrounding the productive pass rusher have only increased. If the Panthers do want to strike a trade, they’ll have to do so before the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline, but Burns isn’t the only player who may be available.
According to Breer, three others are said to be available, including safety Jeremy Chinn, cornerback Donte Jackson, and wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. Chinn recorded over 100 tackles in each of his first two seasons and even finished as the runner-up to win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020. He spends time at safety and linebacker and could inject another playmaker to a defense in need, and is also in the final year of his contract.
The other two names Breer mentions haven’t quite lived up to expectations in Carolina as former second-round selections, yet both could offer untapped potential if given a second chance with a change of scenery.
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