3 benefits to the Carolina Panthers extending Brian Burns in 2022

What benefits could emerge from the Carolina Panthers giving defensive end Brian Burns a new deal before or during the 2022 season? 

The Carolina Panthers have shown a real willingness to take care of their own providing certain contributions match contract demands. This is something the organization did this offseason with Donte Jackson and D.J. Moore, who were both paid handsomely to keep them around long-term after impressing considerably over a prolonged period of time.

Another might be on the way sooner rather than later. General manager Scott Fitterer stated that Brian Burns is next up for a mammoth deal and the Panthers gave themselves additional breathing space by triggering his fifth-year option that comes with a fully guaranteed $16 million in 2023.

Burns has steadily risen into an indispensable member of the roster. His nine sacks in 2021 led to a first-ever Pro Bowl selection and even though there will be no Haason Reddick flying off the other edge next season, the defensive end should keep progressing in Year 4 of his professional career.

Although time is on Carolina’s side, here are three benefits to the franchise extending Burns before or during the 2022 season.

Benefit No. 1

Carolina Panthers would avoid future speculation

Obviously, the Carolina Panthers would not contemplate trading Brian Burns. He was reportedly one of the players off the table during negotiations for quarterback Deshaun Watson and this is a stance that should be adopted long into the future.

With that being said, the longer Burns goes without a new deal, the more speculation will surface. That’s just how life is within the media and across the league these days.

Getting a deal done nice and early for Burns would avoid such speculation. It also ties down a core foundational piece for his prime years.