The Carolina Panthers needed to make a decision about their best defensive player.
Star pass-rusher Brian Burns entered the offseason as one of the prime candidates to get the franchise tag.
That’s why it wasn’t much of a surprise to see Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report reporting that they’ve finally announced their decision to place him under the tag.
Breaking: The #Panthers have informed Brian Burns they’re placing the franchise tag on him, league sources tell @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/xbyOT4HOnJ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2024
The two-time Pro Bowler will now avoid free agency, and he’s about to make around $24 million next season.
The 25-year-old had eight sacks for the league-worst Panthers last season, being one of their few bright spots.
A 2019 first-round pick, he’s been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the game since entering the league, logging a whopping 46 sacks in 80 appearances with the organization.
The Panthers tried to get him to sign a long-term extension last season, but to no avail, so this was an easy call to make.
However, they are still optimistic about their ability to get an extension done at some point, which is why they turned down a massive trade offer from the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.
Now, GM Dan Morgan will look to get a deal done with their superstar defender, but that doesn’t mean they won’t look to trade him at some point if it becomes evident that they’re not going to be able to strike a deal to lock him up for the long-term.
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