The Carolina Panthers’ recent trade of defensive end Brian Burns has stirred significant controversy and disappointment among fans and analysts alike. As the NFL offseason progresses, this decision is increasingly being viewed as one of the franchise’s least advantageous moves, raising questions about the team’s strategic direction.
Carolina Panthers’ High Hopes Dashed
The Panthers’ offseason began with promise, marked by the acquisition of prominent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and a strategic trade for wide receiver Diontae Johnson. These moves were designed to bolster the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season. However, the decision to trade away Brian Burns to the New York Giants for seemingly minimal return has cast a shadow over the team’s otherwise proactive approach.
Burns, a key figure in Carolina’s defense, was traded for a 2024 second-round draft pick, a swap of fifth-rounders, and a 2025 fifth-round selection. This deal came on the heels of a declined offer from the Los Angeles Rams, which reportedly included two first-round draft choices.
The Value of Brian Burns
Brian Burns has proven to be a formidable player in the NFL. Selected by the Panthers 16th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Burns quickly established himself as a defensive stalwart. His rookie season was impressive, with 25 tackles and 7.5 sacks, and he only continued to excel from there. By his third year, Burns was making consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and, in his best season, amassed 63 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
Despite Carolina’s dismal 2-15 record last season, the team ranked fourth in the league in yards allowed, with Burns playing a crucial role in this defensive success. His performance in the 2023 season included 50 tackles, eight sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, underscoring his impact on the field.
TJ Watt really Broke Cam Newton and the Panthers
Since this Game in 2018 the Carolina Panthers haven’t won more than 7 Games in a season #steelers
🎥YT/NFL pic.twitter.com/GEb4whDQGJ
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) May 2, 2024
Carolina Panthers’ Strategic Missteps
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay has criticized the Panthers’ decision not just for trading Burns, but for the lackluster return they accepted. The trade appears even more questionable considering the earlier offer from the Rams, which would have provided significantly more draft capital at a time when the Panthers are in desperate need of resources for rebuilding.
The rationale behind not leveraging Burns’ value more effectively when the opportunity was clear remains puzzling. With the Panthers not in contention and fully aware of their inability to retain Burns long-term due to financial constraints, the decision to hold onto him until the offseason seems a clear misstep.
A Decision Likely to Haunt the Carolina Panthers
As the NFL season approaches, the Panthers may come to regret not capitalizing on Burns’ market value when they had the chance. For a team in the throes of rebuilding, every decision counts, and this particular trade could have long-term repercussions for the franchise’s recovery and future success.
The Carolina Panthers will need to navigate their next moves carefully to regain trust and build a team capable of contending in the highly competitive NFL landscape.
