Panthers GM on Burns' Future: 'There's a Reason We Didn't Move Him'

The young pass rusher seems to be a part of Carolina's plans.

Last spring, the Carolina Panthers picked up the fifth-year option on defensive end Brian Burns. This offseason, the team is hoping to make progress on a long-term deal that will keep him with the organization beyond the 2023 season.

Despite his name being mentioned in trade rumors at the trade deadline this past season and also being mentioned in hypothetical trades that could help Carolina get up to the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, the Panthers don't appear to be interested in dealing him. 

"There's a reason why we didn't move him," said GM Scott Fitterer. "We met with his agent. We didn't get into details or really talk about him, we'll address that when we get there. But Brian Burns, he is one of the most dominant pass rushers. He's young. One of the most athletic guys. And he still has a ton of upside when it comes to adding more strength, playing with more technique. That's all there. The sky is in front of him. He's a huge impact player."

Burns, who will turn 25 in April, has already accumulated 196 tackles, 77 QB hits, 43 tackles for loss, 38 sacks, 11 pass breakups, and seven forced fumbles. In 2022, he posted the best season posting career highs in tackles (63), QB hits (22), tackles for loss (17), and sacks (12.5).

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