Is Spider-Man swinging over to the Big Apple?
As we continue to navigate through an eventful opening day of the legal tampering period, multiple reporters have now linked Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns to the New York Giants. With Burns possibly on the move after being hit with the franchise tag last Tuesday, Big Blue is seemingly emerging as a potential trade suitor.
The first inkling came after the scouting combine, courtesy of The Record’s Art Stapleton:
Not about what Panthers would want as much as what Burns would want.
Was some buzz at Combine about whether Giants would look to add an Edge player via trade. Not the first time I’ve heard his name.A caveat: Joe Schoen and Dan Morgan are close, too. So not outrageous. Expensive https://t.co/amuHcuJpdP
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) March 9, 2024
Next, on Monday morning, came Dan Duggan of The Athletic—who published this about New York’s pursuit for pass-rushing power:
A wild card to consider: Schoen hasn’t been afraid to make big trades, and the Panthers are willing to deal franchise-tagged edge rusher Brian Burns. Schoen has a close relationship with new Panthers GM Dan Morgan, so a blockbuster deal for the 25-year-old Burns can’t be ruled out.
Then, this afternoon, Connor Hughes of SNY tweeted the following:
Sources: Keep an eye on the #Giants as a potential trade destination for Panthers star pass rusher Brian Burns. There is mutual interest there in getting something done.
Would certainly be the biggest splash for Schoen during his tenure. Burns, who turns 26 next month, has 38.5… pic.twitter.com/ulBpaNKTlb
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 11, 2024
What felt like an inevitably at one point, a long-term pact between Burns and the Panthers still has yet to be reached. The two-time Pro Bowler told reporters in early September that talks were “on hold” following an unsuccessful try during the summer.
Recent reports have suggested that Burns was seeking close to $30 million per year, which could stand as the second-highest annual value amongst all edge defenders. The Panthers, on the other hand, were reportedly willing to come up to $27 million.
As president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan suggested back in Indianapolis, “all options” are on the table for Burns. That could, of course, include a trade.
