CBS Sports lists Brian Burns on list of players that have earned contract extensions
From Jalen Ramsey to Derwin James Jr., there hasn't been a shortage of former Florida State players receiving lucrative contracts in the National Football League (NFL) in recent years.
Heading into the 2023 offseason, Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns may be the next Seminole to break the bank.
CBS Sports listed Burns as one of 10 players who have done enough to receive hefty contract extensions this offseason.
"The former No. 16 overall pick has emerged into a legitimate star, and notched a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022 after recording nine sacks in both 2020 and 2021. He's been named to two straight Pro Bowls now, and is viewed by Carolina's front office as a cornerstone whose best football is ahead of him."
Burns is coming off his best statistical year for Carolina, where he recorded career-highs in sacks (12.5), tackles (63), tackles for loss (17) and quarterback hits (22).
The former Seminole is eligible for a contract extension this offseason after the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option last spring.
It'll be a close situation to monitor over the next two months for Burns, who has a new head coach (Frank Reich) and general manager who did not draft him (Scott Fitterer joined Carolina in 2021).
The 24-year-old has an outside shot of becoming the highest-paid pass rusher this offseason, surpassing the likes of Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. Garrett's contract is worth $25M per year while Crosby's is at $23.5M per year.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, another name on CBS Sports' list, is also seeking a long-term contract. Bosa, a fellow member of the 2019 NFL Draft class, has three Pro Bowl selections and 43 career sacks, while Burns has two Pro Bowl selections and 38 career sacks. However, Burns has 196 career tackles to Bosa's 156 and has appeared in 13 more games.
Spotrac currently has Burns' market value listed at a four-year, $73M. His projected $18.3M annual average salary would rank fifth among all defensive ends.
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