Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns may have sat out, but he won’t hold out.
This past Thursday, the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher did not participate in practice—raising questions about a possible contract snag between him and the team. ESPN’s David Newton then reported that the decision was indeed related to the push for a new deal, as both sides try to draw nearer to a long-term, big-money extension.
Buy Panthers TicketsRegardless, Burns seemingly isn’t planning on staying away.
“No fault to anybody who is not participating,’’ Burns said, per Newton. “But we’ve got something special, and I’m a big part of it, so I can’t miss no time. I’ve just got to be here.’’
Burns, who is coming off a career-best 12.5 sacks in 2022, is entering the 2023 campaign on his fifth-year option. So as his star continues to rise into the final season of his current contract, the 25-year-old is certainly in line for a fresh pact.
But Burns, as Newton notes, has not considered holding out.
“Of course it’s been on my mind,’’ Burns said. “This is personal, but I’ve been working on my relationship with God. I left it in his hands. I just did everything I could in my power to be on this field with my teammates. I feel if you live the right way, good things will happen to you.’’
