Which teams could potentially become tag-and-trade destinations for Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns in 2024?
Things are reaching the tipping point between edge rusher Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers. His contract extension situation has become a long, drawn-out saga that shows no signs of a successful resolution. A recent report suggests things could get even messier in the coming weeks.
According to Josina Anderson from CBS Sports, the Panthers informed Burns' representatives they would be calling off contract talks. The insider added that the franchise tag looks like a realistic scenario before the deadline. It appears as if those in power might be prioritizing other more pressing matters before deciding on the former first-round pick's long-term fate.
This won't be going unnoticed by other teams around the league. Burns is a premier pass-rusher barely entering his prime with plenty of experience under his belt. If the Panthers don't want to make a lofty financial commitment, others will be more than willing.
With that being said, here are four potential tag-and-trade destinations for Burns in 2024.
Minnesota Vikings
This is dependent on whether the Minnesota Vikings don't bring back Danielle Hunter, but they could see Brian Burns as the ideal replacement if the LSU product opts to take his chances elsewhere. They should also have plenty of salary-cap space to pull something like this off should veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins also leave for alternative employment.
If the two aforementioned veterans aren't part of their plans, one could make a strong case for Minnesota being in a rebuilding phase. That's a decision for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell, but it might be worth calling the Carolina Panthers to make an offer for Burns once he's franchise-tagged as expected.
Adding Burns to Brian Flores' blitz-happy defense comes with untold benefits attached.
Detroit Lions
After spending his professional career languishing as a perennial bottom-feeder, one could forgive Brian Burns for wanting to leave. Especially considering how the Carolina Panthers have completely mismanaged his contract saga after losing all leverage once they turned down a whopping trade offer from the Los Angeles Rams before the 2022 deadline.
This level of incompetence has become synonymous with the Panthers since David Tepper bought the franchise. Matt Rhule, Scott Fitterer, and Samir Suleiman are the primary culprits. Dan Morgan and Brandt Tilis are tasked with trying to clean up an ungodly mess in extremely difficult circumstances.
Burns deserves better. This is also a bad draft not to have a first-round pick. Therefore, the chances of a tag-and-trade situation are relatively high after this recent turn of events.
Looking at their current trajectory and overall culture within the building, the Detroit Lions would be a tremendous landing spot for Burns. Dan Campbell's men came agonizingly close to reaching the promised land for the first time in franchise history before falling agonizingly short in the NFC championship game. It seems like they're going to run it back - especially given offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's surprising decision to spurn head coaching advances - so a few tweaks might get them over the proverbial hump.
Placing Burns opposite former No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson would give Detroit one of the league's most explosive young pass-rushing tandems. They aren't going to find a player with his quality at No. 29 overall. The Lions also have $54.29 million in available salary-cap space to take on Burns' franchise tag before working out a long-term deal.
Washington Commanders
After trading the starting defensive end tandem of Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline, the Washington Commanders are in desperate need of pass-rushing assistance. Fortunately for their new regime, the foundations have been laid to become big players when it comes to recruitment this offseason.
The Commanders are blessed with six selections in the top 103 and nine in total during the 2024 NFL Draft. If that wasn't enough, new general manager Adam Peters also boasts $96 million in available salary-cap space to help speed up the team's extensive rebuild in the coming months.
More importantly from the Commanders' perspective is the fact Dan Snyder is no longer around. Josh Harris' ownership group has grand plans on and off the field. They've already made those around the league sit up and take notice. This is going to see Washington become an attractive destination for the first time in two decades.
If Brian Burns becomes a player of interest, Peters will call the Carolina Panthers. He's got plenty of experience when it comes to extracting good value through trades from his time on the San Francisco 49ers. This wouldn't land the former Florida State star on an immediate contender, but it might not be much longer before the Commanders are ready to retake their place at the NFL's top table.
Baltimore Ravens
Another team that wasn't a million miles away in 2023 could be an intriguing landing spot for Brian Burns. The Baltimore Ravens looked for a long time as if they might be able to win it all. But once again, they fell foul to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game.
All hope is not lost for the Ravens despite losing some important staff members such as defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Their pass-rush could also use an injection of life. This is where Burns comes into the equation.
Much like the Detroit Lions' situation, the Ravens are not going to find someone with Burns' talent at No. 30 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Parting ways with a late first-rounder could be seen as incredible value for a player who's attained 46 sacks in five seasons and is still just 25 years old.
There could be some financial complications to navigate before the Ravens are in a position to call the Carolina Panthers. They have a little more than $16 million in available cap space. Adding someone like Burns would take restructures and early cuts to make this dream a reality.
Baltimore is in win-now mode after extending NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson last offseason. Sorting out a tag-and-trade for Burns would give their chances of going one better an untold amount of good.