Les Snead, general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, has been pursuing Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns for years, and the Pro Bowl pass rusher is routinely mentioned in NFL trade rumors. While Carolina blocked him from entering NFL free agency, it may still have to deal him this offseason.
Burns, who is starting his 26th season, has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice. The Florida State graduate was selected 16th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and has emerged as one of the NFC’s finest pass rushers. He has been on the Rams’ radar for quite some time.
Before the 2022 NFL trade deadline, Los Angeles reportedly offered Carolina first-round picks in 2024 and 2025, as well as a 2025 second-round pick, in exchange for Burns. While the offer was well-received throughout the league, particularly amid suspicions that the Rams’ Super Bowl window was dwindling, Carolina declined it.
Brian Burns’ career stats include 95 quarterback hits, 59 tackles for loss, and 46 sacks in 80 games.
Over the next year or so, the Panthers continued to get queries about Burns, but they never seriously considered trading him. Carolina has tried to keep its native talent for a long time, but the two parties have never reached an agreement. Now, after being franchise-tagged, trade whispers have resurfaced, with some believing he could be sold.
According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, NFL sources believe a third-round selection would be “fair” compensation for the Rams in return for Burns without the promise of a contract extension. The selection is likely to come from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Carolina put itself in a position with little leverage. Burns will not be a free agent, but he is owed a $24.007 million salary this season, which is completely guaranteed. The Panthers might repeat this process with him in 2025, but applying the franchise tag would result in a 120 percent boost in guaranteed money next year.
Carolina’s refusal to accept Los Angeles’ offer in 2024 was a huge relief for them. Nearly two years later, Snead and the Rams’ executive management continue their degree of interest. The only difference is that this time, the club will have to give up far less to get him.
If the Rams sign Burns, they will have until the contract extension deadline for franchise-tagged players in July to reach an agreement. Otherwise, they’ll have to go through the same procedure as the Panthers next season.
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