Carolina Panthers sign former Jaguars first-rounder K'Lavon Chaisson

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly signing former Jacksonville Jaguars first-rounder K’Lavon Chaisson to a one-year deal in free agency, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Chaisson’s rookie deal expired on Wednesday when the Jaguars declined to exercise their fifth-year option on the outside linebacker. Now, the former LSU star will join the Panthers in Year 1 under new head coach Dave Canales.

The former LSU Tigers star came into the NFL with a ton of hype, joining Jacksonville via the No. 20 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, success has been far from guaranteed. Through his first four seasons, he’s posted 73 tackles in 57 games played with five sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.

His new one-year deal with the Panthers has a maximum payout of $5 million. The fifth-year option the Jaguars declined would have netted him $12.14 million.

Panthers trade Brian Burns to the Giants

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Monday that the Carolina Panthers would trade star edge rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants.

Burns went No. 16 overall in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Florida State to the Panthers, spending the first five seasons of his NFL career with Carolina. Since joining the league, Burns has recorded 246 tackles, 46 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. Making two Pro Bowl selections in back-to-back seasons following standout seasons in 2021 and 2022.

Burns recorded 7.5 sacks in his rookie season, followed by consecutive 9.0 sacks seasons before posting a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022 along with a career-high 63 total tackles. He sought out a long term with the Panthers following his breakout season in 2022, but instead Carolina picked up his fifth-year option.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.