The 2023 season was a frustrating one for the New York Giants, and they have lots of work to do in order to become competitive again.
They have plenty of weaknesses, but on Monday, they may have addressed one of them.
Per Ari Meirov, they agreed to acquire pass rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers for second and fifth-round draft picks, and they’re also going to give Burns a $150 million, five-year contract extension.
BREAKING: The #Panthers are trading OLB Brian Burns to the #Giants for a 2nd and 5th round pick, per multiple reports.
The #Giants are extending Burns on a 5-year deal worth a max of $150M with $87.5M in guarantees, per NFL Network.
A blockbuster. pic.twitter.com/gJVoK8E3EG
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 11, 2024
The Giants may end up having an anemic offense once again, especially since they’re losing star running back Saquon Barkley, their only real offensive threat, but perhaps their defense will be greatly improved.
Burns had 8.0 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 16 tackles for loss in 2023, and he made the Pro Bowl the prior two seasons.
Even better, he’s just 25 years of age (he will turn 26 in late April), so he should have several years of high production left in him as long as he stays healthy.
In New York, he will join Pro Bowl defensive end Dexter Lawrence and outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux to give the team what is starting to look like a solid front seven.
As far as the Panthers are concerned, they have sold low on Burns.
During the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Rams reportedly offered them two first-round draft picks for Burns, but they said no.
That offer could’ve helped them rebuild more quickly while also helping Los Angeles become a contender again.
Instead, Burns is heading to the Tri-state area where he will look to help the Giants attain respectability once again.
NEXT: Saquon Barkley Sends Goodbye Message After Signing With Eagles