Carolina Panthers: How defense salaries look with NFL’s escrow proposal
By Dean Jones
BRIANBURNS. Scouting Report. DE. CAROLINA PANTHERS. Pick Analysis. 6. player. 87
Carolina Panthers Player No. 6: Brian Burns (DE) $1.11 million base – $721,500 with reduction
Brian Burns is only going into his second year as a professional. But there are already huge expectations on his shoulders after a promising rookie campaign that included 7.5 sacks.
The potential for growth is outstanding on a front seven that is loaded with potential. But Burns would see his base salary drop well below $1 million if he was forced into taking a reduction in the current climate.
Pick Analysis. CAROLINA PANTHERS. TAHIRWHITEHEAD. player. 87. Scouting Report. LB. 7
Carolina Panthers Player No. 7: Tahir Whitehead (ILB) – $1.05 million base – $682,500 with reduction
The Carolina Panthers picked Tahir Whitehead as the man to fill the enormous shoes left by Luke Kuechly in 2020. Whether this is just a one-year stay for the linebacker with the organization is entirely up to him. And he will be on the field for almost every down given the lack of quality options behind him on the depth chart.
Whitehead’s $1.05 million in base salary will take a hit to $682,500 if the proposal is approved. But the prospect of earning a long-term stay in Carolina shouldn’t make this issue much of a distraction.
Scouting Report. CAROLINA PANTHERS. 8. player. Pick Analysis. CB. DONTEJACKSON. 87
Carolina Panthers Player No. 8: Donte Jackson (CB) – $917,502 base – $596,327 with reduction
This is undeniably the biggest season of Donte Jackson’s young career. He will be coming up against some of the league’s best wide receivers in the No. 1 role with the Panthers. And a big payday will be awaiting the player if he lives up to his billing.
Jackson will be fighting for a new deal next spring. But his 2020 salary could be dropped to $596,327 with any 35 percent decrease.
Pick Analysis. CAROLINA PANTHERS. 9. 87. Scouting Report. S. JUSTONBURRIS. player
Carolina Panthers Player No. 9: Juston Burris (S) – $910,000 base – $591,500 with reduction
Juston Burris is a versatile member of the secondary that could be a day one starter. This is dependent on what role second-round selection Jeremy Chinn is given from the off. But the free-agent signing will be cemented in the rotation during the season regardless.
There is not much in the way of financial commitment from the Panthers regarding Burris. And this might even fall to $591,500 if the escrow is implemented.