Brian Burns Trade Update Signals Panthers' Intent to Rebuild Roster

The Carolina Panthers could be on the verge of trading star pass rusher Brian Burns.

Indianapolis Colts v Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts v Carolina Panthers / Grant Halverson/GettyImages
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Earlier on Monday, it was reported that the Carolina Panthers were willing to trade star pass rusher Brian Burns despite giving him the franchise tag. 

The Panthers could use Burns as they continue their rebuild rather than sending him to another team, as he’s one of the premiere defensive ends in the league. But if Carolina can get a lot in return for the 25-year-old defensive end, it might be best to recoup the value, especially if they cannot agree to a long-term deal.

That being said, it seems as if the Panthers will go with the trade route for Burns. Panthers beat writer Sheena Quick reported on Monday that the 25-year-old Burns will be a New York Giant.

Coincidentally, it isn’t the first time we heard Burns connected to New York. Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reported on Monday that the Giants were a potential trade destination for Burns. 

However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the deal is not complete between the Giants and Panthers for Burns, but “there is hope they can get there.”

The Giants could use a pass rusher like Burns to play opposite Kayvon Thibodeaux, who had a good second year in the NFL. 

This past season with the Panthers, the 25-year-old Burns produced 50 combined tackles, 18 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. The 6-foot-5 defensive has racked up 46 sacks over his four-year NFL career.

With the Panthers rebuilding, the front office brass needs to get a couple of draft picks and potentially a player in return. 

Carolina isn’t expected to be a huge player in the NFC South this upcoming season (+900), but that shouldn’t stop fans from checking out FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Update - March 11, 6:45 p.m. ET: Despite the mixed messaging that originally emerged around this trade news, Adam Schefter is now reporting that this is a done deal according to his sources. That's about as close to official confirmation as you're going to find.

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