4 Carolina Panthers players earning new deals from their efforts in 2022

Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE

After the Carolina Panthers resisted the temptation to trade away Brian Burns despite getting an offer of two first-round selections from an unnamed team according to ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out he’s going to be a very wealthy man in the not-too-distant future.

Burns has been at the top of his game this season despite the additional attention coming his way in the wake of Haason Reddick’s departure. The defensive end has five sacks on the year already and looks well on course to attain double-digits for the first time in his career, which will only strengthen his position at the bargaining table when negotiations begin.

The former first-round pick out of Florida State had his fifth-year option triggered earlier this year that pays him around $16 million in 2023. But now that the Panthers have shown their hand regarding his importance, Burns is likely to seek a lengthy and substantial contract as a result.

Much will depend on the numbers Burns puts up between now and then. But a potential offer to become the league’s highest-paid player at the position is possible given how things are trending across the league.

Carolina might be looking to remove big contracts from their books in pursuit of more flexibility. However, Burns is a core foundational piece to any future achievements and no matter who’s the head coach, tying him down long-term is absolutely imperative.