3 benefits to the Carolina Panthers extending Brian Burns in 2022

Carolina Panthers could get a bargain

With the salary cap only going up and players across the league getting record deals everywhere you look, the Carolina Panthers could be forced to shell out one of their biggest-ever contracts to keep Brian Burns around long-term.

The Panthers struck early to sign D.J. Moore this offseason with one year remaining on his rookie deal. Something that could end up being cheap compared to what other wide receivers have gotten or will get soon enough.

This scenario could also apply to Burns. Getting a deal done now might save them much-needed cash in the long run, even though the contract could be worth around $20 million per year based on how much the top-end edge rushers are getting paid currently.

The shelf-life of an NFL player is short. With that being said, Burns could decide to wait until next spring no matter what sort of offer is put in front of his representatives.

If Burns goes into double-digit sacks for the first time, secures another Pro Bowl distinction, enhances his leadership within the locker room, and improves against the run, then his demands are going to go through the roof.

With the Panthers projected to be $30 million over the cap in 2023, it could end up being a complicated negotiation. So the sooner this gets done, the better.