The New York Giants acquired Carolina Panthers star pass-rusher Brian Burns on Monday as part of a deal that netted Carolina a second- and fifth-round pick in next month’s draft, according to multiple reports.
After landing Burns in the blockbuster deal, the Giants wasted little time paying their new cornerstone of the defensive line. Burns and the Panthers have agreed to a five-year, $141 million contract, a source told Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer.
The pact will include a $25 million signing bonus, $76 million guaranteed, $43.5 million next season, $66.25 million over the first two seasons and $90 million over the first three seasons, per Breer.
Burns will average $28.2 million annually over the life of the deal, which is a price that the Panthers found themselves unwilling to pay. Carolina used the franchise tag on Burns last week as the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal. The trade ultimately clears $24 million in cap space for the Panthers.
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Burns started 16 games for the Panthers last season, recording eight sacks, one forced fumble and 16 tackles for loss. He recorded 12 1/2 sacks in 2022, which remainsthe most productive season of his five-year career.
