5 Carolina Panthers off the trade table at all costs in 2022 and beyond

Carolina Panthers must not trade Brian Burns

Brian Burns currently seems much more likely than Jaycee Horn to be traded due to his time with the Carolina Panthers and his contract situation. However, moving the defensive end would arguably be just as big of a mistake, even if someone were to offer a king’s ransom.

Burns is only 24 years old and has already totaled 29.5 sacks in his time with the Panthers. He is an elite talent at a position you absolutely have to build around in today’s passing league.

It isn’t as if the Panthers can trade Burns and easily find a replacement. Elite pass-rushers are hard to find and that’s what the former first-round selection is rapidly becoming.

If the Panthers are seriously considering trading Burns, they should look no further than within their own division for a warning against it. Carolina has had a front-row seat as the Atlanta Falcons drafted one edge defender after another and still haven’t found an answer.

Burns isn’t a player the Panthers can simply draft in 2023. He is a core foundational piece and one of the biggest leaders within the locker room.

Top pass rushers are at a premium and will continue to be one of the more elusive positions to fill. Burns should remain on Carolina’s roster as part of their long-term plan for improvements.