The Carolina Panthers applied the franchise tag to superstar EDGE Brian Burns on Tuesday. Discussions over a long-term extension had recently broken down. New general manager Dan Morgan decided to extend the negotiating window by slapping Burns with the non-exclusive tag.
Burns and the Panthers have long failed to reach an extension that both sides deem valuable. The previous regime rejected two first-round selections from the Los Angeles Rams in an alleged proposed trade. It's unclear how Carolina's new decision-makers value Burns, but they're facing similar struggles when it comes to getting Burns signed to a multi-year extension.
The contract-related standoff continues. The longer Burns' situation remains unsettled, the chances of Morgan entertaining a trade increases. We've identified three potential fits for Burns via trade.
DETROIT LIONS
Lions general manager Brad Holmes enters the new league year searching for an appropriate running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson officially reached superstar status as a sophomore, totaling 11.5 sacks in 2023. Despite Hutchinson's individual efforts, the Lions accumulated just a 24th-ranked 41 sacks.
The Lions' subpar pass-rushing results didn't prevent them from winning the NFC North and reaching the NFC Championship Game, but it's clear that another level can be unlocked. Adding another difference-making pass rusher would prevent opposing offensive coordinators from double-teaming Hutchinson with regularity. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's game-planning efforts would benefit.
The Lions are in a contending position to part with premium draft capital in exchange for a player of Burns' abilities. Holmes possesses the 29th selection in the first round. After maximizing their abundance of selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Lions possess few roster holes and should consider parting with this year's pick to guarantee themselves an elite pass rusher a la Burns.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals are flushed with draft capital as they continue rebuilding their roster. General manager Monti Ossenfort possesses a whopping seven selections within the opening 105 picks. Ossenfort's haul includes three top-35 selections.
Ossenfort could utilize the fourth overall pick on a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr., or he could trade down with a quarterback-needy team and acquire more selections. The possibilities are endless. Adding rookie talents via cost-controlled contracts is great, but Ossenfort also needs to start acquiring some proven talents if his team is to take the desired step forward.
Rushing the passer was a consistent issue throughout 2023. It will pain defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon that the Cardinals totaled a 30th-ranked 33 sacks. The Cardinals could offer the Panthers the 27th or 35th pick, perhaps pairing it with another mid-round selection for Burns.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Perhaps the Rams could reignite their interest in acquiring Burns via trade, although the two first-round picks offer has likely come and gone. General manager Les Snead still finds himself in a decent position to engage the Panthers in negotiations. The Rams possess four top-100 selections, and Spotrac indicates they enter unrestricted free agency with a well-stocked $43.6 million in financial flexibility. The necessary resources are present.
The Rams struck gold with Kobie Turner and Byron Young in the 2023 NFL Draft. The third-round rookie pairing combined for 17 sacks as instant contributors. Finding another long-term threat opposite Young on the edge would help the Rams prepare for life post-Aaron Donald.
