NFL.com Picks Panthers' NFL MVP Candidate

Which Panther has the best chance to win an MVP award this season?

Eric Edholm of NFL.com recently named one MVP candidate for all 32 teams and his pick for the Panthers doesn't come as much of a surprise - outside linebacker Brian Burns.

"Burns turned in his best pass-rushing season to date in Year 4 and might be primed for more greatness this year. He figures to be the centerpiece of a defense that features four former first-round picks and four former second-rounders.

"The Panthers have a chance to rebound after a tough season because they have a young quarterback in Bryce Young who might be able to have success immediately, but Burns and the defense likely will go a long way toward determining how many games they’ll win in 2023. You’d like to see other pass-rush sources develop alongside Burns, but he’s thrived amid worse talent.

"Burns is coming off ankle surgery this offseason, and he has yet to cash in on a big-money extension -- but you figure that’s coming at some point, with a rookie-QB salary on the books. Carolina might be smart to lock Burns up before he registers another double-digit sack season."

Although the NFL's MVP award is dominated by quarterbacks, every now and then a defensive player will put up gaudy numbers that warrant consideration for the award. And to be honest, Burns is really the only preseason MVP candidate that makes sense for the Panthers. Bryce Young will get his shot one day, but not as a rookie. 

Cam Newton is the only player in Panthers' franchise history to win the award.

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