The New York Giants made a big splash this offseason, acquiring linebacker Brian Burns in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. They subsequently locked him down with a five-year, $141 million contract.
The addition of Burns gives the Giants a quality bookend for Kayvon Thibodeaux while also reducing the stress on Azeez Ojulari, who has battled injury throughout his career.
Although the Giants’ depth is a bit questionable after that, there’s little doubt general manager Joe Schoen provided a huge boost to the team’s pass rush with the addition of Burns.
Where does this group of Burns, Thibodeaux, Ojulari and others rank among the rest of the league? ESPN’s Mike Clay has a take:
Lorenzo Carter, Zach Harrison, Bralen Trice, Arnold Ebiketie, James Smith-Williams
Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Dante Fowler Jr., K.J. Henry, Andre Jones
YaYa Diaby, Randy Gregory, Chris Braswell, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson
Harold Landry, Arden Key, Rashad Weaver, Jaylen Harrell, Caleb Murphy
Zaven Collins, Darius Robinson, Dennis Gardeck, BJ Ojulari, Victor Dimukeje
Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac
Jonathon Cooper, Baron Browning, John Franklin-Myers, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss
Gregory Rousseau, AJ Epenesa, Von Miller, Casey Toohill, Dawuane Smoot
George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Malik Herring
Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Wonnum, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Amare Barno
Byron I. Young, Michael Hoecht, Jared Verse, Nick Hampton, Keir Thomas
Matthew Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Deatrich Wise Jr., Keion White, Josh Uche
Montez Sweat, DeMarcus Walker, Dominique Robinson, Jacob Martin, Austin Booker
Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe, Darrell Taylor, Derick Hall, Patrick O’Connell
Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, Marcus Davenport, James Houston, Nate Lynn
Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Dayo Odeyingbo, Tyquan Lewis
Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt
Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Carlos Basham, Tomon Fox
Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Patrick Jones, Jihad Ward
Joshua Allen, Travon Walker, Trevis Gipson, Yasir Abdullah, Myles Cole
Haason Reddick, Jermaine Johnson II, Will McDonald IV, Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor
Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox Jr.
Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, Myles Murphy, Cameron Sample, Joseph Ossai
Nick Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Drake Jackson, Yetur Gross-Matos, Robert Beal Jr.
Maxx Crosby, Tyree Wilson, Malcolm Koonce, Janarius Robinson, David Ebuka Agoha
Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Shaquil Barrett, Chop Robinson, Cameron Goode
Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Isaiah Foskey
Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Chris Rumph II
Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., Denico Autry, Derek Barnett, Dylan Horton
Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, Durrell Johnson
Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson