Panthers reveal first look at Brian Burns with new jersey number

The Carolina Panthers revealed a glimpse of defensive end Brian Burns in his new jersey number on Wednesday. Burns is the first Panthers player to wear the No. 0 jersey following the NFL’s rule change this offseason.

He is making the switch from No. 53, which he has worn since Carolina snapped him up with the No. 16 overall selection in 2019.

Burns has played in almost every game for the Panthers over the last three seasons. In 2022, he posted 12.5 sacks with 12.5 tackles for loss.

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In each of the prior two seasons, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound pass rusher had nine sacks. As a rookie, Burns posted 7.5 sacks. Over four years, he has 196 total tackles.

Ahead of the NFL trade deadline last season, the L.A. Rams reportedly offered a massive package to acquire Burns, according to NFL insider Jonathan Jones.

Per Jones, the Rams offered the Panthers two first-round draft picks and a second-round pick for Burns but were turned down. The first-round picks were for the 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts, whereas the second-round pick was in 2023.

Although the Panthers ultimately changed a lot of elements of the team, including the head coach, they weren’t willing to part with the star edge rusher.

After exercising his fifth-year option for $16 million, the Panthers are considering an extension for Burns to keep him beyond the 2023 season. His original rookie contract was for four years, $13.5 million.

NFL owners approve proposal allowing players to wear No. 0

The NFL owners have approved a proposal that allows players to wear the No. 0 moving forward. The proposal was put forth by the Philadelphia Eagles. It is the second major change to roster numbers in the past three seasons after the NFL owners relaxed jersey number designations ahead of the 2021 season. A number of team executives gave their thoughts on the latest number rule change.

“I don’t think there was any discussion, and we voted,” Falcons president/competition committee co-chair Rich McKay said.

“This is one thing that could help us in that challenge, because we do have some players that tend to like the single digit,” McKay said. “Numbers are more problematic than they’ve ever been, so this one had very little pushback.”

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley has also already announced he will wear No. 0 for this upcoming season.

On3’s Justin Rudolph contributed to this report.