4 reasons Panthers could have traded Brian Burns and D.J. Moore
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers turned down a QB-caliber offer from the Rams
The debate was rife among Carolina Panthers fans when the organization refused to trade Brian Burns to the Los Angeles Rams when the offer was said to be two first-round picks in 2024 and 2025. But after Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports outlined the offer also included a 2023 second-rounder, it brought this decision under the microscope once again.
This is a quarterback-caliber trade offer for Burns. One that indicates the Panthers see the defensive end as one of the most elite edge rushers in the league.
That might be the case when Burns is at the top of his game. But there remain issues setting the edge against the run and considering he’s yet to go over double-digits in terms of sacks during his career, it’s a massive call to make.
Burns is now in the strongest position imaginable ahead of contract negotiations next year. Carolina’s dismissing the Rams’ offer is going to come with some severe financial ramifications that could see the former Florida State stud become the league’s highest-paid player at the position when it’s all said and done.
Once Burns gets this megabucks deal if he’s not traded before the 2023 draft, then increased expectations will come and the player must produce the goods. But again, the Panthers are not in the position to be refusing massive offers such as this no matter how important the edge defender is on and off the field.