So, who had this on their bingo card at the beginning of the offseason?
What once seemed like a sure agreement between the Carolina Panthers and outside linebacker Brian Burns is now anything but—as the sides have yet to reach a long-term contract extension two weeks into the campaign. And now, the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher has been asked about something that never felt like a real possibility—a trade.
“I ain’t think about it too deeply,” he admitted to reporters on Saturday. “If that’s my story, that’s my story. I can’t really control that. Yeah, that’s all I got to say about that one.”
Burns took questions yesterday afternoon, just a few days ahead of the Panthers’ Monday night matchup with the New Orleans Saints. He characterized the current negotiations as, well, not very current—stating talks have been “on hold” since the regular season started.
The 25-year-old, who said his focus is with his teammates and coaches now, was then asked about his strategy in finally striking a big-money deal.
“We haven’t spoken on any strategies just yet,” he replied. “My main thought is just football.”
He’s probably not kidding. Burns is heading into Week 2 with a pair of sacks, a forced fumble and—if he wants to admit this or not—a little more leverage.
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