Price goes up for Carolina Panthers after Brian Burns makes Pro Bowl

Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns secured another trip to the Pro Bowl, which means the price has gone up regarding his contract extension. 

Although the Carolina Panthers confirmed another losing season against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15, they did manage to get one player into the Pro Bowl. After fans, players, and coaches cast their votes, Brian Burns got the nod for a second-straight year following another standout campaign from the defensive end.

Burns has taken his game up another notch in 2022. He’s become a more polished force on the edge en route to 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss with three games left, which represents another outstanding accomplishment from the former first-round pick out of Florida State.

This deserved recognition for Burns comes at a good time for the player. Much has been made about the potential contract extension coming his way when the season concludes, which is set to be a whopping figure given his importance on and off the field.

Carolina turning down a mammoth trade offer from the Los Angeles Rams that consisted of two first-round selections and a 2023 second-rounder for Burns strengthened his position. A second-consecutive Pro Bowl honor might just add some extra dollars to his demands when it’s time to begin negotiations.

The Panthers must keep Burns happy this offseason. Going into the final year of his contract with no long-term financial security isn’t ideal, but those in power cannot be held to ransom when one considers the significant needs elsewhere.

Being a two-time Pro Bowler and demonstrating development in all phases of play is not going to hurt Burns’ chances of getting a deal that could potentially become record-breaking. Considering how little Carolina is getting from its other pass-rushers, getting him tied down long-term is of critical importance.

Burns’ family has deep connections to the Panthers. His brother Stanley McClover played for Carolina and it’s evident this franchise means a great deal to them.

However, the NFL is a business and Burns knows that one injury could alter his trajectory in the blink of an eye. That’s why he’ll be going all out down the stretch to maximize his bargaining chips – something the Panthers will be obliged to pay if recent events are any indication.

This should work itself in a satisfactory manner for all parties. Cap guru Samir Suleiman will maneuver money to ensure Burns gets the contract he desires, which enables the Panthers to have the player throughout his prime years as a core foundational piece.

Yesterday’s price is not today’s price. Burns now has two Pro Bowl distinctions in consecutive years, but his transition into the elite category is perhaps even more important to the organization than any individual accolades.

The details surrounding this contract will be eye-watering when officially confirmed. But there’s no doubt Burns has earned every cent coming his way in 2023.

What’s important for the Panthers is keeping him happy no matter the cost. They must also find a productive partner for Burns after letting Haason Reddick leave in 2022 free agency.

Yetur Gross-Matos just doesn’t seem capable, which makes Burns’ production this season all the more impressive. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by Pro Bowl voters and is another step towards the edge defender becoming a very rich man.