4 Carolina Panthers players who are next up for megabucks deals
By Dean Jones
Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
With Haason Reddick no longer on the Carolina Panthers after the stud edge rusher signed for the Philadelphia Eagles, there is even more pressure on Brian Burns in 2022. The defensive end gained a career-high in sacks with nine last season to secure his first-ever Pro Bowl selection, but there remain some things that the former first-round pick needs to work on to truly get the most out of his outstanding skill set.
Burns is absolutely frightening thanks to a unique blend of explosiveness and power. However, not finishing off plays due to over-committing remains a complication, and setting the edge against the run is also something the player needs to do better.
This is a massive year for Burns, who will have his fifth-year option picked up by the Panthers in the coming weeks before the deadline. Another season of encouraging strides from the Florida State product could see him paid handsomely as a result, but there is much work ahead to earn what is sure to be a bumper deal at a premium position on defense.
There is no denying Burns’ talent. And there’s just no telling how much better he can become with a little more refinement during the offseason.
He remains a focal point of everything good Carolina is putting together on defense. But it’s absolutely imperative Burns steps up his game with Reddick no longer part of the equation.