When it comes to the next step between outside linebacker Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers, the expected is expected to happen.
As first noted by Joe Person of The Athletic, Carolina is expected to use the franchise tag on their two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler also heard the same from this year’s scouting combine, as he later added on Sunday morning that the move is a “near certainty.”
Again, slapping Burns with the tag should come as no surprise. During his media availability over in Indianapolis, president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan told reporters that the team would take that step if needed.
“We would definitely use it if we had to use it,” he said on Tuesday. “And we love Brian. Brian’s a Panther. Somebody that I know, that I’m close to. I played with his brother. So, definitely love Brian. But all options are on the table.”
If the tag is indeed used, Panthers and Burns will have until July 15 to agree to a new contract.
