WATCH: Brian Burns wreaks havoc on Falcons to start Week 1

Panthers OLB Brian Burns is in high pursuit of the bag.

Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns has built up his case to get paid for the last four years now. Alas, a new deal—which seemed imminent this offseason—has yet to be reached.

So, he continued to make that case to begin his fifth campaign.

Burns put the exclamation point on the very first defensive stand of Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, sacking quarterback Desmond Ridder and forcing a fumble.

He’d follow that up with an even more explosive second possession. Not only would Burns get in on yet another sack, teaming up with fellow backer Frankie Luvu, but he’d also give Falcons running back Bijan Robinson a very rude welcome to the NFL—blasting the rookie for a 6-yard loss to force a punt.

The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, who has been seeking a big-money contract extension for the past few months, was even considered a shoo-in to show up in uniform on Sunday. But it’s clear that he’s very much here.

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