The New York Giants made a blockbuster trade on Monday, acquiring star defensive end Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers. The Giants also signed Burns to a new contract as part of the deal.
The Panthers placed a franchise tag on Burns to prevent him from becoming a free agent after the two sides were unable to agree on an extension ahead of the 2023 NLF season. It is unclear whether the two sides discussed a new deal this offseason.
The Giants will reportedly give up a 2024 second-rounder (No. 39) and a 2025 fifth-round pick to acquire Burns. The two teams will also swap fifth-round selections in this year’s draft.
The Giants will give Burns a five-year, $150 million contract that comes with $87.5 million in guaranteed money. This makes Burns the second highest-paid defensive end in the history of the NFL. Only San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa is paid more with a contract that averages $34 million annually.
Brian Burns entered the league in 2019 as the Panthers’ first-round pick. He had his best season as a pro in 2022 with 12.5 sacks, 63 tackles, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
Burns, who has two Pro Bowl nods on his resume, managed just 8.0 sacks last season, his lowest since his rookie year.
