Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns is once again the subject of trade rumors. Burns is in a platform year, and as the Panthers are sitting at 0-6, GM Scott Fitterer is unsurprisingly fielding calls on the two-time Pro Bowler, as Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required ).
Burns was also a popular name at last year’s deadline, and Fitterer turned down an offer from the Rams that featured two first-round picks. That development ostensibly gave Burns plenty of leverage in negotiations on a long-term contract, negotiations that apparently have not generated much traction. Indeed, previous reports indicated that the two sides have not come close to striking an accord , as Burns is said to be seeking a deal with an average annual value approaching Nick Bosa ‘s astronomical $34MM figure, while Carolina believes Maxx Crosby ‘s $23.5MM AAV is a more appropriate comp.
In September, we learned that the Panthers were willing to continue contract talks in-season , though it is unclear if that has actually happened. Of course, an acquiring team would need to work out a lucrative contract extension in addition to parting with a premium trade package, which is perhaps one reason why Russini reports the Panthers are not expecting to deal Burns.
That said, they are listening to offers, as Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports writes. Robinson acknowledges that Carolina would prefer to keep Burns, but the club’s top priority is to furnish the offense with more talent to aid the development of rookie quarterback Bryce Young . As such, Fitterer could be willing to move Burns and would be seeking a first-round pick plus a talented, young offensive player or a first-round pick plus additional draft capital — including at least one Day 2 selection — in exchange.
Per Robinson, the 5-1 Lions — who have recorded a middling 15 sacks in 2023 — are one possible suitor for Burns. Robinson also believes the Rams could get in the mix again if they should win their next two contests and hit the October 31 deadline with a 5-3 record.
Generally, both Russini and Robinson hear that the Panthers are operating as both buyers and sellers in the run-up to the deadline. We have heard repeatedly over the past several weeks that the club is in pursuit of a high-end wideout , and a report from earlier this month suggested that receiver Terrace Marshall , safety/linebacker Jeremy Chinn , and cornerback Donte Jackson are all on the trade block .
Marshall has been granted permission to seek a trade , while Chinn is dealing with a significant quadriceps injury that will sideline him until December, which obviously represents a major blow to his trade value (though Russini hears that the contract-year defender is still available).
Jackson, meanwhile, is under club control through 2024, and both Robinson and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com report that there is outside interest in his services.