While it’s still early to assume, the Giants’ linebacker Brian Burns contract restructure could signal a trade before the 2025 regular season. According to a report, to help make room for first-round pick Abdul Carter, the Giants are fixing the contract of Burns so there is room to maneuver in their cap space. Already, Burns is expendable since they signed Chauncey Golston and have Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is also the subject of trade rumors. It’s good news that the Giants have plenty to work with in the defensive linebacker room, but probably can’t afford it for the long-term future.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product came into New York through a trade after spending his entire NFL career with the Carolina Panthers. While he did sign a massive $141 million contract last offseason, recording a solid first year with the Giants, finishing with 8.5 sacks and a 79.2 PFF grade. It might not be enough to intrigue the Giants to keep him around for the future since they’ve already used the fifth-year option on Thibodeaux, which keeps him on for two more years. There’s no issue in having too many pass-rushers on one team, but Burns could be the one that becomes the odd man out.
The linebacker isn’t slowing down anytime soon, so the Giants could get some decent draft capital in return for him. If he ends up on the trade block, expect these three teams to make a huge push for him.
Breaking: Giants Latest Brian Burns Contract Restructure Could Signal Trade
Possible Next Teams
Carolina Panthers
Nobody should rule out a possible reunion between the two. This offseason, the Carolina Panthers cut Jadeveon Clowney since he’s aging and they’re in dire need of a linebacker. Josey Jewell has been looking unproductive this past 2024 campaign, and the Panthers need some reinforcement to bolster this defense. The Panthers signed Tershawn Wharton to help Derrick Brown in the trenches, and now it’s time for them to bring back one of their better pass-rushers since the Panthers are looking promising with an adequate quarterback leading the pack.
With the addition of Tetairoa McMillian, the Panthers have the pieces to finally explode on offense. Burns could build the trenches unit back into the old mold at a better rate and could give up at least a second-round pick to make it happen.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints are in the worst position as the offense continues to deplete each day this offseason. Derek Carr is no longer in the league, so this means new head coach Kellen Moore will have to navigate to survive without an adequate quarterback. While they do that, they should trade for someone like Burns to give Cameron Jordan and Pete Werner some insurance in the trenches. General Manager Mickey Loomis figured out a way to acquire Justin Reid in their secondary, so he could manipulate the system again to trade for Burns.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Chargers need a splash in their pass-rushing unit since they released Joey Bosa. Khalil Mack is one of the league’s best linebackers, but he can’t do much if it’s just him alone. While Burns is aging himself, head coach Jim Harbaugh loves an old-school defense and could fit the mold.
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