Ravens Offseason: Trade For Panthers' Two-Time Pro Bowl Linebacker Brian Burns?

The Baltimore Ravens are expected to be big players in free agency this season at several positions. With the possibility of losing free agent linebackers Patrick Queen, Malik Harrison and Del'Shawn Phillips, that could be a position of focus.

Edge rusher Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers seem to be at a tipping point, as contract negotiations have run long and it looks like a deal is unlikely to get done. And per CBS Sports' Josiah Anderson, the Panthers informed Burns they would halt contract talks.

The franchise tag looks to be a possible reality for Burns, and if things between the two sides are as bad as they seem, a sign-and-trade could be in his future.

The Ravens were oh so close to the promised land last season, dominating the regular season to a 13-4 record, then falling to the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship in Baltimore.

Adding a pass rusher could help bolster new defensive coordinator Zach Orr's first season at the helm. Enter Burns.

Baltimore has the No. 30 pick in the first round of April's NFL Draft, and it's unlikely that they find a player of Burns' talent there, or anywhere else in the draft. They could use that No. 30 pick to dangle in front of the Panthers as trade bait in exchange for Burns.

Should Ravens Draft 'Next Breece Hall' FSU RB Trey Benson?

The Florida State product is still just 25 years old and has amassed 46 sacks in five seasons.

The issue is his salary. The Ravens have just around $16 million in cap space available, so some serious restructuring would be needed. But as Baltimore is in a "win now" mode, and coming off another MVP season for quarterback Lamar Jackson, general manager Eric DeCosta might pull the trigger on something like this if it means helping the team get over the proverbial Super Bowl hump.