5 Panthers cornerstones to build around for success beyond 2022

Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE

When the Carolina Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson, one couldn’t help but wonder who’d be next. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by other NFL teams, who sensed weakness and attempted to lure the team’s most prolific players away from the franchise for substantial draft capital.

General manager Scott Fitterer resisted these advances, keen to keep around the core for a new head coach to build around. The most significant trade offer came for Brian Burns, with the Los Angeles Rams offering two first-round picks and their 2023 second-rounder to secure the stud defensive end’s services.

This was a huge offer, but Burns’ production this season made resisting the urge to part ways with the former first-round selection a correct decision. Even though it’s going to cost Carolina a whopping amount financially with a new contract once the campaign concludes.

Burns is already on 10 sacks for the season, which is a career-high. His explosiveness is aided by increased power moves, which makes him a tough proposition for any offensive lineman to overcome.

The Florida State product is also rapidly emerging as a prominent leader within the locker room. A player that others can look to for inspiration both on and off the field.

It’s going to cost the Panthers. But elite edge defenders are hard to find and Burns looks well on track to reach this category if his outstanding form continues down the stretch.