Will The Baltimore Ravens Trade For Carolina Panthers Edge Rusher?
Injuries have been a constant problem for the Baltimore Ravens through the season's first six games. However, no one position may be more battered and bruised than the Ravens' outside linebacker/hybrid edge rushing position.
In the last four games, the Baltimore defense has been without one of, and at times, both of its two starting edge rushers, David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh. However, even with the injuries, the Ravens defense is tied with the Buffalo Bills for first in sacks at 24.
Yet, as the Philadelphia Eagles have shown recently, it never hurts to strengthen a perceived strength, which is what a recent article from CBS Sports proposed when making a mock trade for the Ravens.
In an article proposing trade deadline deals for multiple teams, Cody Benjamin created a mock trade that would see the Ravens land star Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns in exchange for a 2024 first and third-round pick.
"Baltimore's homegrown pass rushers have struggled to stay healthy, and the Ravens could use a jolt as they try to keep hold of the tight AFC North, ..." CBS Sports writes. "Burns is valued in Carolina, but without a long-term deal, his ability to net premium picks could be vital; the Panthers don't currently own a 2024 first-rounder. This deal would, of course, be dependent on Baltimore immediately inking Burns to a new contract."
Aug 21, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) knocks off the helmet of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) during a tackle in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
While giving up a first and a third-round pick in this upcoming NFL Draft seems like a steep price to pay for a player who is on an expiring contract and plays a position that isn't exactly a "need" for the Ravens, it would be a much lower asking price than what the Panthers could've got for him just a season ago.
According to a report by Adam Schefter from last year, the Los Angeles Rams approached the Panthers with a trade for Burns before the trade deadline and were willing to give up two first-round picks, yet Carolina declined.
Instead, the Panthers held on to Burns. They parted with Christian McCaffrey in a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, as they waited until the offseason to make a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 overall draft pick that turned out to be quarterback Bryce Young.
Despite a new coach and quarterback, the Panthers are 0-6 and believed to be willing to be "sellers" at the deadline. If that is the case, Burns, the 25-year-old edge rusher, could be available.
While the Ravens' pass rush hasn't exactly yearned for help, even with the injuries they've been dealing with, adding Burns could improve them even more.
But for a deal to happen, the Raven would not only have to be willing to part with premium draft picks, they'd also have to be committed to handing a potentially market-setting contract to Burns, so is he worth it?
The former Florida State Seminole has quickly developed into one of the top young edge rushers in the league, totaling 42 sacks in 70 games since entering the league as a first-round pick.
If that's not impressive, maybe him generating 68 total pressures last season, which ranked him ninth-best among edge rushers, according to Pro Football Focus, and converting those into 10 sacks is. As for this season, Burns already has 15 pressures but with just two sacks.
