Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
Expectations were through the roof for Brian Burns in 2021. The defensive end failed to accomplish double-digit sacks for the first time, but he did make the Pro Bowl and recently had his fifth-year option picked up as the Carolina Panthers look to put the necessary financial package together in pursuit of keeping another of their core pieces around.
Burns will have a lot on his plate next season after the Panthers decided to let Haason Reddick walk in free agency. But there is nothing to suggest that the former Florida State standout is not more than ready for the extra attention coming his way.
Providing there are slight alternations to Burns’ run-stopping ability and he is more consistent finishing off plays, this could be a monumental campaign for the 2019 first-round pick. One that could make him a very wealthy man in the process.
General manager Scott Fitterer stated that tying down Burns long-term is something the Panthers are keen to do at the earliest possible opportunity. However, building around their most prolific pass-rusher will only benefit them and the player moving forward.
Burns has everything in his locker to be elite. And the Panthers need him to be exactly that to stand any chance of progression in 2022.