The Carolina Panthers showed this offseason that they aren’t afraid to make a splash if they feel it will put the team in a better position long-term. That is what they were hoping for when they pulled off a blockbuster, acquiring the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Chicago Bears and using it on Alabama quarterback, Bryce Young.
Young will hopefully be the face of the franchise for years to come, settling things under center after Matt Rhule’s tenure was ruined because of underwhelming quarterback play. Head coach Frank Reich is hoping things are better under his watch, but Young isn’t the only long-term piece the Panthers are looking to build around.
Defensively, the team is hoping that edge rusher Brian Burns will be that building block. The 2019 first-round pick has been excellent for the Panthers in the first four seasons of his career, picking up 38 career sacks and making the Pro Bowl roster the last two years.
Set to play out the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, Carolina is hoping that Burns remains with the franchise beyond that. According to Darin Gantt of the Panthers’ official team website, they have certainly tried to lock him up long-term.
During a recent mailbag, Gantt was asked for updates on the Burns situation, While he had nothing new to report, Gantt did share that the Panthers are doing what they can to get a deal done.
“Not a lot to update, but that might not be the case for long. The Panthers have made an offer, but the entire market at the position seems to be on hold since there are a couple of big deals on the horizon.”
This should come as no surprise as the Panthers showed their hand ahead of the trade deadline in November. Teams were calling and asking about Burns’ availability and Carolina reportedly turned down an offer that included two first-round picks. Trade chatter didn’t stop this offseason as the Bears tried prying Burns from Carolina as part of negotiations for the No. 1 pick.
The big deal on the horizon that Gantt is referencing is almost certainly Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers. Montez Sweat of the Washington Commanders and Rashan Gary of the Green Bay Packers are also worth keeping an eye on. Quinnen Williams could have gotten things going after he agreed to an extension with the New York Jets last week.
