Panthers Trade Brian Burns to Giants

After over a year's worth of contract negotiations, pass rusher Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers were unable to get a new deal done. Last week, the Panthers placed the franchise tag on Burns but have now decided to move on from one of the game's best.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Panthers are trading Burns to the New York Giants in exchange for a second and fifth round pick.

The former first round pick totaled 246 tackles, 95 QB hits, 59 tackles for loss, 46 sacks, 13 passes defended, eight forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in his five years in Carolina.

Last month at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis GM Dan Morgan stated that "all options are on the table" in regards to Burns' future which at the time just felt like GM-speak. Turns out, he really meant it. 

Burns repeatedly told reporters throughout the year and in his exit interview about his desire to remain in Carolina, but understood that it's a business.

"Best thing I can do is be ready. If it do turn out that they do want to keep me here and I stay, I'm ready. And if it turns out I have to go somewhere else, I'm definitely ready for that too. As long as I'm ready in any angle, I'll be fine."

With Burns off to New York and Frankie Luvu signing a three-year deal with the Washington Commanders, the Panthers' defense will look vastly different from a unit that finished third in the NFL in total defense (293.9 ypg).

The only positive that comes from these departures is that the Panthers will have more money to spend in free agency due to not having two big contracts on the books.