Panthers star Brian Burns says no contract talks during the season

Panthers star Brian Burns excels at rushing the quarterback. And he wants nothing taking away from football this fall, including talks of a new contract.

In late August and early September, there was all sorts of speculation about whether Burns would possibly sit out the season. Instead of talking up Burns’ skills, folks scanned practice reports to see if the edge rusher participated.

Brian Burns says not to do that anymore.

“I told them (Panthers management) once the season started I’m all about ball,” Burns told reporters. “I can’t give a thousand percent on the field and to my teammates if I’m still worried about contract negotiations. (And) I feel like I owe that to them to be 100 percent, a thousand percent at all times.’’

Burns is playing under the fifth-year option of a deal he signed as a rookie. The Panthers, with the 16th pick, selected the former Florida State star in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. According to ESPN, the Panthers still will negotiate this fall to keep Burns happy and on the team. But it’s up to Burns and his representatives.

NFL edge rushers are getting big deals. But Brian Burns is nowhere the top 10 highest paid

The linebacker told reporters he did think about holding out. But he nixed the idea, started to practice and opened the season with his teammates. Although the Panthers lost their opener to the Falcons, 24-10, Burns notched a pair of sacks. He was one of eight defenders in the league to picked up at least two sacks. Danielle Hunter of the Vikings sacked Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts three times this past Thursday to give him an NFL-leading four.

Edge rushers are well compensated in the NFL. And like the quarterbacks, their contracts are zooming. After a lengthy holdout, Nick Bosa of the 49ers signed a new $170 million deal that made him the highest-paid defender in league history. He’ll average $34 million a year.

Steelers standout T.J. Watt ranks second at $28 million. Joey Bosa of the Chargers is third at $27 million, with Myles Garrett ($25 million) ranking fourth and Khalil Mack ($23 million) rounding out the top five.

Brian Burns, who makes $16 million this year, is no where near the top 10. He’s at 17th. He’s got an opportunity to showcase his skills to a larger audience. The Panthers will play host to the Saints for Monday Night Football. It’ll mark the first time Burns will play on MNF.

“In these prime-time games, everybody’s watching,” Brian Burns said. “It’s always a goal to show them what you can do and put the league on notice.

“But I want to put the league on notice more from a defensive standpoint than just myself. I want them to know how we are on defense.”