Report: Carolina Panthers pausing contract talks with Brian Burns ahead of free agency

The Carolina Panthers have informed edge rusher Brian Burns that they will not continue contract talks at this time, per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. Burns is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason as his rookie contract expires.

Burns, a former No. 16 overall pick out of Florida State, has spent the past five seasons in Carolina. He has twice made the Pro Bowl while recording 151 total tackles (59 for loss), 46 sacks, eight forced fumbles and 13 passes defended.

Burns made the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker this past season and continued his stellar play to lead the Panthers with eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Unfortunately, it didn’t translate to wins on the field as Carolina finished with a league-worst 2-15 record.

The Panthers could still keep Brian Burns around for next season if they decide to use the franchise tag on him. They have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to make that announcement. If Carolina does franchise tag Burns, he would make a salary of $22.8 million in 2024.

“We would definitely use it if we had to use it,” Panthers GM Dan Morgan told reporters at the NFL Combine. “And we love Brian. Brian’s a Panther. Somebody that I know, that I’m close to. I played with his brother. So, definitely love Brian. But all options are on the table.”

ESPN reported last week that Burns would like a contract in the neighborhood of $30 million a year. That would place him amongst the highest-paid defensive linemen in the NFL. Last season, Nick Bosa earned the most of any NFL defender at $34 million. He surpassed Aaron Donald, who was at $31.7 million. T.J. Watt earned $28 million.

After ESPN reported the number, The Athletic confirmed that the Panthers were offering $27 million.

Carolina has not used the franchise tag since the 2021 season. Burns would also have the option to sit out the season if he does not want to accept the deal. It will be interesting to see what happens, but it appears based on recent developments that is the direction things are headed.

If Burns is not franchise tagged, he would become a free agent and be free to sign with whatever franchise he chooses. There would certainly be many suitors for his talents if that were the case.