The Arizona Cardinals need help with their outside linebackers, boosting their pass rush. It is reasonable to believe that they will address it, at least partly, in free agency.
One of the biggest names in free agency is now unavailable.
The Carolina Panthers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on pass rusher Brian Burns. That tag will pay him $24 million in fully guaranteed salary in 2024.
Burns had 46 sacks in five seasons. he had eight last season and 12.5 in 2022.
With the non-exclusive tag, Burns can negotiate with other teams at the start of the league year, but the Panthers would be able to match the offer or, if they opted not to, would receive two first-round picks from the team that signs him.
The Cardinals, who need pass-rush help after logging only one sack in the final six games of last season, probably will not pursue him unless the Panthers make him available in a tag-and-trade deal.
The 25-year-old pass rusher would likely cost the Cardinals at least a first-round pick in a trade before having to sign Burns to a long-term deal.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
