Panthers, Brian Burns made no progress on contract talks today

Another day has passed without the Carolina Panthers and star edge rusher Brian Burns reaching an agreement on a contract extension.

The two sides continue to be at an impasse, with Burns sitting out Monday’s walkthrough in preparation for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday. According to Will Kunkel of FOX 26 Houston, there hasn’t been any progress in contract negotiations, and Burns’ status for the Falcons game remains in question.

Burns, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which is worth $16 million for his fifth-year option. In addition, the Panthers have the option of placing the franchise tag on Burns next year. Burns, Carolina’s first-round selection (16th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Florida State, has accumulated 38.0 sacks in four seasons. In 2022, he compiled a career-high 12.5 sacks, earning his second straight Pro Bowl nomination.

Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson made it clear to management Monday that Burns better be at practice Wednesday.

“Everybody upstairs better know he [Burns] better be out there by Wednesday,” Thompson said. “He’s a big factor on the defense. He’s the one it really starts with. Him and Derrick [Brown]—there’s where it starts with. And they’ll make it right.”

Brian Burns sits out of practice after taking part in training camp

Burns said back in July he wouldn’t hold out, and reported to training camp.

“Nah, I was going to show up,” said Burns, when asked if there was ever any doubt he’d be at training camp despite not signing a contract extension. “I would say mainly just because I missed it. I missed being with my defense… Kind of feel like what we’ve got going is bigger than, I don’t want to say like it’s bigger than my individual goals, because those matter of course, but I feel like what we’ve got building is bigger than that.

“I feel like I’m a key piece to what we need to get done. So I feel like I need to be here, whether or not I’m going through negotiations or whatever. But nah, it didn’t cross my mind to sit out.”

Head coach Frank Reich, meanwhile, isn’t worried about Burns’ absence, and is moving forward in focusing on Atlanta.

“Do I hope he’s there vs. Atlanta? Absolutely,” Reich said Monday. “But if he’s not there, I’m not worried about it. Just move forward. We understand there’s a business side to this thing we do and I still respect and admire the way he handles himself.”