Tag: Brian Burns

Could Giants’ defensive line be elite in 2024?

Pro Football Focus believes the New York Giants’ defensive line could be “elite” in 2024 after the team acquired edge rusher Brian Burns.

With the addition of edge rusher Brian Burns, acquired via trade from the Carolina Panthers early in free agency, the New York Giants’ defensive line appears vastly improved on paper.

PFF recently highlighted a positive takeaway for all 32 teams following the free agency period and unsurprisingly, it was that very D-line for the Giants.

NEW YORK GIANTS: THE DEFENSIVE LINE COULD BE ELITE

Dexter Lawrence is one of the best players in football, and Kayvon Thibodeaux has a ton of talent. The Giants still needed a bookend to alleviate the onus on him to be the premier pass rusher, though.

The team subsequently took a massive swing on Brian Burns. At his peak, Burns is a durable, elite pass rusher capable of taking over games. He just needs to play at that level more consistently to justify his massive new contract. One thing working in his favor is new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s scheme, which should allow Burns to play more often from a three-point stance as opposed to being an outside linebacker.

New defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s scheme may not only benefit Burns’ style of play but Kayvon Thibodeaux’s as well.

Last season, Thibodeaux had 11.5 sacks and there were plenty of times where some felt he was being dropped back into coverage too much in Wink Martindale’s defense.

The addition of Burns is a big one for the Giants’ defense in general. However, Burns is also joining a talented defensive line — likely the best of his career playing alongside one of the league’s best in Dexter Lawrence.

The Giants’ defensive line has certainly improved on paper but we won’t know how elite that unit will be until they hit the field.

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The Xs and Os with Greg Cosell: Wrapping up NFL free agency for 2024

2024 NFL free agency is just about in the books, so it’s time for Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar to analyze the biggest transactions in the second wave.

Now that most of NFL free agency for the 2024 league year is in the bag — though there are a few helpful players still on the open market — it’s time for Greg Cosell of NFL Films and ESPN’s NFL Matchup, and Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire, to recap the biggest and most important moves in the second wave of this free agency phase. Greg and Doug covered the first day of free agency last week in the Xs and Os; here’s the conclusion.

Among the discussion points:

  • What does Brian Burns bring to a Giants defensive line that already has Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence?
  • Can Justin Fields become the best version of himself in the Steelers’ offense?
  • Conversely, can Kenny Pickett turn his career around with the Eagles?
  • How can Calvin Ridley use his true X-Iso skill set to ramp up the Titans’ offense?
  • Can the Texans’ addition of Danielle Hunter, along with Will Anderson Jr. and Denico Autry, make Houston’s defensive line a Super Bowl-level group?
  • What can Hollywood Brown do for the Chiefs?
  • Tyron Smith is a future Hall of Famer, but what will he be able to do for the Jets’ offensive line in the short term?
  • Chase Young has been an inconsistent pass-rusher throughout his NFL career; can he turn it around with the Saints?
  • The Lions made important additions to their defensive line and their secondary; can all that put them over the top?
  • The Falcons already have a ton of weapons for new quarterback Kirk Cousins. How will the addition of receiver Rondale Moore affect what looks like one of like the NFL’s most explosive offenses (in theory, at least)?

You can watch this week’s “Xs and Os” right here:

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You can also listen and subscribe to the “Xs and Os” podcast on Spotify…

…and on Apple Podcasts.

Panthers OLB D.J. Wonnum on replacing Brian Burns: ‘I’m not looking to replace anybody’

New Panthers OLB D.J. Wonnum isn’t looking to be the next Brian Burns in Carolina. He’s looking to be the best version of D.J. Wonnum.

D.J. Wonnum isn’t looking to be anyone but D.J. Wonnum.

On Monday, local reporters got the chance to talk to Wonnum—fresh off the signing of his two-year, $12.5 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. He began his Zoom call with a question from Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, who asked why he chose to sign with the organization.

“Going into the free agency process, obviously there was a lot going on and a lot took place within that week,” Wonnum answered. “Once Carolina was brought up upon my representation, it was just like a light that just got bright. I was excited to go down there.

“And once I was down there, it was everything I thought it would be—as far as the coaches welcoming me, just having those talks and meetings with them and basically them telling me that I’m a big key or a big part of what they wanna do in the future. The words and the actions lined up. So I was excited to be here. Obviously, it’s closer to home and I went to college down the street. So, it just made sense.”

Wonnum attended the nearby University of South Carolina from 2016 to 2019. The Stone Mountain, Ga. native collected 29.5 sacks during that time, including a 13.5-sack output in 2017.

The 2020 fourth-round pick has gone on to amass 23.0 sacks for the Minnesota Vikings over the last four seasons. And although the 26-year-old’s stock is ascending following a career campaign, he’s not focused on what was in Carolina before he got there.

“Well, I’m not looking to replace anybody,” Wonnum replied when later asked if he’s hoping to replace Brian Burns. “I’m looking to be the best version of myself, the best player I know I can be. And obviously, the film that I’ve put out there, I can be an every-down starter.

“I can play the run, I can pass rush, I can drop in coverage, I can do whatever coach wants me to do. Obviously going here and coming here, I’ll be able to showcase that. And the future is bright for myself and the Carolina Panthers.”

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Giants do not plan on trading Azeez Ojulari

The New York Giants reportedly have no plans to cut or trade edge rusher Azeez Ojulari following the acquisition of Brian Burns.

The New York Giants made a big splash early in free agency, acquiring edge rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers.

Immediately after that trade, the Giants signed Burns to a five-year extension worth $150 million with $87 million guaranteed.

That’s a hefty price tag for a team still cleaning up a messy salary cap situation. And it might lead one to believe that some cuts or trades are coming to help balance out the financial spreadsheet.

One potential option is fellow edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will account for a cap hit of $2.2 million.

Ojulari has failed to reach his ceiling since joining the Giants as a second-round pick in 2021. He’s also missed 16 games over that span due to a multitude of injuries, but despite that, Big Blue has no plans to sever ties.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that the Giants do not plan to trade Ojulari and intend to keep him as part of their pass rush rotation, albeit in a more limited role.

Ojulari may seem expendable, but the Giants aren’t planning to trade the 23-year-old as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, according to a league source. Having a third edge rusher with 16 sacks over the past three seasons gives the Giants much better edge depth than they’ve had in years.

It’s not ideal for Ojulari to have his contract year crashed by Burns. But even pass-rush specialists cash in, so Ojulari could secure a solid payday if he’s productive in a reduced role.

Ojulari is still entirely capable of being a productive player for the Giants, but he must find a way to remain on the field. Perhaps a smaller, more specified role will help keep him healthy.

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Giants OLB Brian Burns asked what went wrong with Panthers

In his introductory presser on Wednesday, Giants OLB Brian Burns was asked what he believed went wrong in Carolina.

Playing super hero isn’t a game. It’s fate.

And for Brian Burns, his fate took him elsewhere this week.

On Monday, the Carolina Panthers agreed to trade the 25-year-old outside linebacker to the New York Giants in exchange for an underwhelming return of draft picks. With the new league year officially beginning on Wednesday, Big Blue wasted no time rolling Burns out to the media.

During his introductory press conference, he was asked what he believed went wrong in Carolina.

“Respect to Carolina,” Burns replied. “I really appreciate them drafting me back in ’19 and I had a great five years there. It just came to an end and we split paths. But I’m just super excited to be a Giant now, I’m ready to start this new journey and continue my career. I’m ready to do great things.”

He did some great things in Carolina over those five years. Burns leaves having recorded 46.0 sacks, the fifth-most in franchise history, and a pair of Pro Bowl selections.

What seemed to be a sure thing about a year ago, a long-term agreement between the Panthers and Burns was never reached. He ended up getting his wish from the Giants, who are signing him to a five-year, $141 million pact.

The deal will make Burns the NFL’s second-highest paid pass rusher in terms of annual average salary.

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Report: Free-agent pass rusher Chase Young expected to meet with Panthers

Per NFL Network, the Panthers are expected to meet with former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young.

The Carolina Panthers are chasing after some much-needed defensive help.

As first reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on Tuesday afternoon, free-agent pass rusher Chase Young is expected to meet with the Panthers this week. Young, per Pelissero, is also set to visit with the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints.

Young was selected with the second overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft by the Washington Commanders. The Ohio State University standout proceeded to immediately stand out in the pros, as a 7.5-sack campaign helped earn him AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Injuries woes, however, would derail his next two seasons. Young played in 12 of a possible 34 games between 2021 and 2022, where he totaled just 1.5 sacks.

He would eventually be traded to the San Francisco 49ers at the 2023 trade deadline. Young ended the season with 7.5 sacks.

Carolina, who finished last in quarterback takedowns this past season, should certainly be in the market for edge help—especially after yesterday’s trade of two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns. The roster also lost fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu, who recorded the second-most sacks (5.5) on the team in 2023.

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Panthers great Julius Peppers posts thoughts on Brian Burns trade

Julius Peppers went through something very similar to what Brian Burns just experienced. The Panthers legend tweeted his thoughts on the situation this morning.

Well, it happened to the Carolina Panthers again. And the first guy it happened with had some thoughts on the second one.

The “it” we’re referring to, by the way, is the loss of an elite pass rusher in his prime. That first strike of lightning hit the Panthers back in 2010, when Julius Peppers left town for the Chicago Bears after a messy contract tango at home.

Lightning bolt No. 2 struck yesterday, when the team traded outside linebacker Brian Burns—who also didn’t get the new deal he wanted—to the New York Giants. Peppers would post his thoughts about the situation on Tuesday morning:

This isn’t the first time the franchise legend and soon-to-be Pro Football Hall of Famer threw in his two cents on the Burns saga. Peppers, in a recent interview with Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com, said he was hoping the organization could stick with the two-time Pro Bowler.

“I think he’s one of the best,” Peppers told Hill. “He has all the tools, he has all of the talent. I hope we’re able to keep him. I hope he stays. I hope we’d be able to keep him around for a long time.”

Unfortunately, they only kept him for another month.

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Panthers CB Jaycee Horn after eventful start to free agency: ‘Ima miss my dawgs’

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn is feeling the effects of a painful start to free agency.

Carolina Panthers president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan may on the hunt for some dawgs right now, but he’s still lost a few in the process.

On Monday, the home locker room over at Bank of America Stadium picked up a few very painful vacancies. After we learned that the Panthers were planning to part ways with safety Vonn Bell, they fell short in trying to retain linebacker Frankie Luvu and then traded two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants.

The losses hit quite hard for many involved with the organization, including starting cornerback Jaycee Horn . . .

Horn wasn’t the only player to feel the effects of the eventful day. Longtime Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson posted, in a since deleted tweet, a similar sentiment—stating that it was a “sad day.”

Along with Bell, Luvu and Burns, the Panthers defense is also expected to be without corner Donte Jackson in 2024. All four were starters for the unit this past season.

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Report: Panthers not likely to trade for Bengals WR Tee Higgins

According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, the Panthers are not likely to trade either of their second-round picks for Bengals WR Tee Higgins.

Don’t expect the Carolina Panthers to flip yesterday’s pittance for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

On Monday, the organization finally put an end to the Brian Burns saga—trading the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher to the New York Giants for some draft capital. The haul includes this year’s 39th overall pick, a swap of 2024 fifth-rounders and a 2025 fifth-rounder.

While the return is a bit of bummer, especially considering what the Panthers could’ve had for Burns 16 months ago, some have speculated that the 39th selection could be used to acquire Higgins. The 25-year-old, who is seeking a long-term deal of his own, reportedly requested a trade from the Bengals yesterday.

But according to CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones, there is no fire to go with that manufactured smoke. Jones tweeted this morning that no conversations have taken place between Carolina and Cincinnati and that a trade for Higgins is “not likely to happen.”

He also notes that the Panthers, who are in the process of rebuilding under new general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales, are unlikely to unload their picks for a veteran.

In addition to that No. 39 pick, Carolina is also in possession of their own second-rounder this spring—No. 33. And with the 2024 draft class being particularly deep at the wideout position, those selections could be used to double dip on a pair of potent (and relatively cheap) pass catchers.

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Giants acquire Brian Burns: Contract details

The New York Giants acquired DE Brian Burns on Monday and awarded him with long-term deal — here is how the contract is structured.

The New York Giants traded for Carolina Panthers’ two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Burns on Monday in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and 2024 second-round selection (No. 39 overall), as well as a 2024 fifth-round swap.

Burns was also awarded with a five-year, $141 million contract extension from the Giants which includes a $25 million signing bonus, $87.5 million in guarantees, and an average annual salary of $28.2 million.

Burns becomes the Giants’ third-highest-paid player (cap-hit wise) behind quarterback Daniel Jones ($47.1 million) and left tackle Andrew Thomas ($23.6 million).

The Giants are now just roughly $9.1 million under the salary cap as the new league year is set to begin Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET.

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