Carolina Panthers legend explains why Brian Burns is a 'high priority' for the team

It’s a new era in Carolina, and Panthers legends are voicing their opinions on how the franchise should move forward to achieve success.

One of those legends is former defensive end Mike Rucker, and the longtime Panthers star recognizes they have one in the making in Brian Burns. Speaking with Alex Zietlow of The State, Rucker explained why Burns needs to be a “high-priority” for the franchise moving forward.

“I feel like when you look at this game over the years, it’s changed. You see there’s a premium on quarterbacks. And I think you see a premium on guys who can get after the quarterback,” explained the Panthers legend. “So once you identify one of those two positions — and there are other positions like corner, wide receiver, etc — both those two can dictate a game really quick. And we’ve seen it.

“We’ve been on the good ends sometimes and the bad ends on the other, but those two positions are key, and him being one of those guys. And him being a young guy, who gives back, loves the game, respects the game — I would definitely think he’s a high priority for the organization.”

Alas, it’s tough to argue with the sentiment that Burns should be extended by the franchise, as he’s become arguably their most important player since joining Carolina.

The Panthers selected Burns with the No. 16 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Florida State. Since then, he ranks 11th in the league with 38 sacks. He is coming off the best season of his career in 2022, finishing with career highs in tackles (63), tackles for loss (17), quarterback hits (22) and sacks (12.5). 

For comparison, Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt leads the league with 57 sacks over the past four seasons. He is also currently the NFL’s highest-paid edge rusher with an average annual salary just north of $28 million. The top four edge rushers in the league make an average of $23.75 million each season, and only seven players make $20 million or more. 

If Burns can reach that number, it would put him in the same company as names like Watt, Joey Bosa and Myles Garrett. The Panthers have already confirmed their commitment to Burns, and even turned down a trade offer from the Rams last season that included two first-round picks.

Burns was not at the team’s OTAs and also did not practice at the team’s minicamp earlier this offseason as he recovers from an ankle injury. Regardless, he has still been putting in work to learn a new defensive scheme, as Carolina will move from the 4-3 to the 3-4 under new head coach Frank Reich.

Time will tell, but we’re willing to bet Carolina keeps Brian Burns in a Panthers jersey for years to come, and they’ll make in a very rich man in the process, making Mike Rucker a very happy man, as well.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this article.