The Carolina Panthers are trading pass-rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants for second- and fifth-round picks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
The second-rounder is the No. 39 pick in this year’s draft, while the fifth-round selection will be a 2025 pick, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Burns will receive a five-year extension worth up to $150 million with $87.5 million guaranteed as part of the deal, Burns’ agents told Rapoport.
The maximum value of the contract makes Burns the second-highest-paid edge defender in both total and average annual value, per Over the Cap. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is tops with $170 million and $34 million, respectively.
Burns had 50 total tackles, eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits in 2023 despite Carolina frequently playing from behind. He also forced a fumble and defended two passes.
The two-time Pro Bowler has 46 sacks, 59 tackles for loss, and 95 quarterback hits in 80 career games since he was selected No. 16 overall in the 2019 draft.
The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Burns and reportedly cut off extension negotiations earlier this month.
Kayvon Thibodeaux led the Giants’ pass-rushing unit in 2023 with 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
