The Brian Burns situation was completely mishandled by the Panthers.
Frankly, it’s been a long time coming. Burns’ fifth-year option was exercised by Carolina 683 days ago, keeping him in Charlotte until the 2023 campaign.
497 days have passed since the Los Angeles Rams offered Carolina two first-round picks and a second-round pick in exchange for Burns at the 2022 trade deadline. After Burns reluctantly reported to training camp while contract negotiations were still ongoing, 250 days have passed.
Burns recorded what turned out to be his final sack while wearing a Panthers uniform 64 days ago. Burns and the Panthers ended their contract talks at the NFL Combine eight days ago.
Burns is now just one day away from signing a contract with the New York Giants and ending his tumultuous connection with a franchise that has never been able to place a premium on their great edge rusher.
People will scoff at the trade compensation for Burns, two fifth round selections, and a second round pick (#39 overall). A double-digit sack producer in his 25th year who has won two Pro Bowls for a second round pick and some peanuts? Carolina is solely responsible for their current situation.
The squad drew a line in the sand when they rejected Les Snead and the Rams’ 2022 offer. The group was too arrogant to devote themselves entirely to a rebuild. By rejecting the Rams’ trade approaches, the Panthers not only gave Burns and his team complete negotiation authority, but they also prematurely raised their flag in the contender camp.
Carolina’s decision to hold onto Burns suggested that they were prepared to face competition. They viewed Burns as a cornerstone on a team that was poised for rapid, significant success. For a while, they might have been correct. The Panthers finished the 2022 season with five straight victories and were in position to make the playoffs after sacking Matt Rhule and selecting Steve Wilks as their interim head coach.
The company decided to fully commit to the 2023 season after that run of successful football seasons. It permeated every word and action made by the franchise.
The “all-star” coaching staff; Bryce Young’s trade up; and Scott Fitterer’s declaration that “we won’t be picking at the top of the draft again.” Those victories in the last months of 2022 proved to be empty promises. Carolina thought they were prepared to compete against the heavyweights in 2023, but they ended up punching more like featherweights. The franchise is currently at depths that are only equal to the Mariana Trench.
Dave Canales and Dan Morgan are bearing the price for the transgressions of their forebears. The Carolina Panthers are presently without talent and future resources on their roster as a result of their 2023 win-now strategy. The team just finished with a 2โ15 record, the Chicago Bears have the first overall pick, and everything related to Carolina is trending on social media.
Making the trade of Burns made sense. Burns’ comeback will be laughed at, understandably enough, but there was never going to be a demand for an unsigned, dissatisfied defender. Burns had a manageable and cheap contract in 2022 and was a rising star. He is a free agent in March 2024, and the franchise tag is holding him captive in Carolina. notably different values.
Conversely, putting a Ferrari in a townhome’s garage would be like to the Panthers offering Brian Burns a $30 million annual contract. He would squander his best years on a failing squad.
The fact that Carolina is taking so long to make a decision regarding its top player’s long-term future is entirely their fault. Burns is no longer with them because they refused to give in on his next contract when it was at its highest worth and didn’t trade him when he was at his best. Brian Burns, the second-highest paid defense player in league history, is awash in cash like Scrooge McDuck. It will take time to see if the Panthers regret this choice or if it turns out to be wise. I hope Dan Morgan has luck if it turns out the way most recent Mint Street choices have.
Before long, Burns will have the opportunity to hold his erstwhile employer accountable.
In 2024, the Giants will visit Charlotte for a regular season game, and given how Burns’ circumstances in Carolina transpired, I’m sure Spider-Burns is eager to return home.