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The Carolina Panthers have made a contract offer to star edge rusher Brian Burns, who has been seeking an extension to his current deal.
Burns, entering the final year of his rookie contract, has expressed his desire to be among the highest-paid players in his position in the league.
According to Darin Gantt of the Panthers’ official website, negotiations for Burns’ extension may be put on hold until another deal is completed for an edge rusher, but that the team did make an offer.
At present, Burns is scheduled to earn a base salary of $16.012 million for the upcoming season. In the event that a long-term agreement cannot be reached, the Panthers have the option to use the franchise tag on him during the offseason to retain his services for another year.
Earlier reports during the 2022 season indicated that the Los Angeles Rams had offered two first-round picks for Burns mid-season, but the Panthers chose to decline the offer.
Additionally, the Chicago Bears expressed interest in Burns as part of a trade involving the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft, prompting the Panthers to instead trade wide receiver D.J. Moore.
These developments underline the importance of securing Burns’ extension, as the team passed on significant value in previous trade opportunities.
The Panthers and Burns’ representatives will continue negotiations in the coming weeks with the aim of reaching a favorable agreement that recognizes the impact and value the talented edge rusher brings to the team.