Carolina Panthers star Brian Burns reportedly demanding huge contract ahead of NFL free agency

Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers’ premier edge rusher, is on the verge of receiving the franchise tag. The Pro Bowl pass rusher and his organization have been unable to agree on a long-term deal agreement since last season.

This tag would cost the Panthers around $20.21 million. It’s a reasonable price considering how good Burns has been.
But the former Florida State standout wants a lot more. According to ESPN’s David Newton, Burns hopes to earn $30 million per year on a long-term contract.

“I feel like I earned that before this season,” Brian Burns stated recently. “Given our circumstances, this is what it is. But my feelings haven’t changed since then, because I’ve worked hard for years.”

Carolina Panthers' star Brian Burns discusses free agency | Charlotte Observer

Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, earning $34 million per season. While Burns won’t be able to demand it, $30 million is a large sum.

Burns, 25, has 95 quarterback hits and 46 sacks in five seasons since Carolina selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He just finished the 2023 season with 18 quarterback hits and eight sacks. It was down from a 12.5:22 split in 2022.
All of this follows reports that the Los Angeles Rams could be a potential destination for Burns in a franchise-and-trade situation. Los Angeles was linked to Burns prior to the 2022 NFL in-season trading deadline. Apparently, the team thinks highly of him.