3 reasons Brian Burns shouldn’t be included in Deshaun Watson deal

Best it yet to come from Burns

If what we saw from Brian Burns in 2020 is any indication, the best is still to come. The former first-round pick made incredible strides during his sophomore campaign to emerge from being a pass-rushing specialist to a three-down defensive end who can make a difference on almost every play.

Simply put, there is just no telling how much better Burns is going to get once the Carolina Panthers find a prolific rusher to put opposite him on the defensive line.

Second-round selection Yetur Gross-Matos is the prime candidate to assume this role when competitive action begins in 2021. But if the Houston Texans are intent on acquiring a young player with plenty of upside on defense as part of any potential trade for Deshaun Watson, then he might have to be sacrificed.

Burns was incredibly unfortunate to miss out on his first Pro Bowl selection this season. There weren’t many more explosive players coming off the edge in 2020 and there is no disputing the fact that he is now one of the NFL’s best young defensive ends.

The potential is there for Burns to be the best in the business. So letting him leave in what would be a bombshell trade is sure to come back and haunt the Panthers in the coming years.

If owner David Tepper is intent on getting Watson as reported, then the front office has to come up with a solution that enables them to keep Burns and maintain their strong young core at all costs.