Will the Panthers Extend Brian Burns Before Week 1?

Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Here's where things stand as Burns and Carolina discuss a new deal.

2019 first-round OLB Brian Burns, who earned Pro Bowl selections the past two seasons, is not close to a contract extension with the Carolina Panthers, a source with knowledge of the situation told Pro Football Network.


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While it’s not known exactly how much money Burns is asking for on a per-year basis (APY), it’s widely expected in NFL personnel circles that 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa could command as much as $30 million per season or more once his extension is completed.

No edge rusher currently will earn over $28.2 million on a yearly basis. Steelers OLB T.J. Watt signed a four-year, $112.6 million extension about two years ago (Sep. 10, 2021).

Where would Burns fit in on a salary basis?

“If Bosa gets $30 [million], Burns should reasonably be asking for $25-$27 [million] a season. He’s not in [Browns DE] Myles Garrett’s league, but that deal was done a long time ago,” a veteran NFL player agent who has represented several pass rushers in the past recently told Pro Football Network.

Garrett, arguably the NFL’s best pass rusher, signed a five-year, $125 million ($25 million per season) deal over three years ago (July 16, 2020).

Burns, known in personnel circles as one of the NFL’s best speed rushers, is thought to be a perfect fit for the Panthers’ defensive conversion this season to a 3-4 front.

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