NFL Rumors: Panthers Pro Bowl Edge Rusher Could be Traded

The Carolina Panthers appear to be gearing up for a long rebuild. They've already commenced dismantling their coaching staff, beginning with the firings of head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow. Now, they're looking to move on from their veteran players. Apparently, the team intends to trade their young Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns.

Hearing that #Panthers DE Brian Burns is practically a “lock” to be traded before the NFL Trade Deadline. pic.twitter.com/BexMZzKqRW
— Michael Balko (@MichaelBalkoJr) October 14, 2022

If truly available, Burns could be a hot-ticket item ahead of the November 1st trade deadline. After notching an impressive 25.5 sacks across his first three seasons, the 24-year-old pass rusher is off to the best start of his career, tallying 4.0 sacks and six tackles for loss through the first five weeks of the season.

Burns is currently in the fourth year of his rookie contract and is set to play on his fifth-year option in 2023. He sports a manageable $2.34 million salary this year and a guaranteed $16 million salary next season. At his current level of play, those are bargains.

Pressure
Pressure
Pressure pic.twitter.com/RjI7gxU3pV
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 9, 2022

Burns joined the Panthers as their 16th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. After three years and 23.0 sacks with Florida St., Burns blew up the NFL combine, running a spectacular 4.53 40-yard dash. He should fetch significant compensation for the Panthers if traded and could earn a contract from his new team somewhere in the neighborhood of the four-year, $94 million deal edge rusher Maxx Crosby signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this past March.