6 Carolina Panthers players outperforming their pay grade in 2022
By Dean Jones
Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
- 2022 cap number: $4.3 million
Brian Burns is well on his way to a massive payday. The Carolina Panthers chose not to trade the defensive end despite reportedly receiving an offer consisting of two first-round picks from an unnamed team according to ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter, which only strengthens his bargaining tools when the time comes to begin negotiations.
Burns has been at the top of his game this season. A feat made more impressive by the fact there is almost no consistent pressure coming from the opposite edge so far.
There seems to be more ruthlessness in Burns’ play this season. An inability to turn pressures into sacks consistently was a criticism of the former first-round selection in previous years, but major improvements have been made and the Panthers are benefitting as a result.
The Florida State product’s cap number in 2022 stands at $4.3 million. This will surge to $16 million next season after Carolina rightfully picked up his fifth-year option, but Burns could make even more than that in the coming years on a new contract that might turn out to be north of $20 million annually.
Carolina was right not to trade Burns. Elite pass-rushers don’t grow on trees, but not doing so is going to cost them a substantial amount of money in the near future.