According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Panthers have halted extension discussions with edge rusher Brian Burns. Reportedly, the team ceased talks about a long-term deal with Burns at last week’s Scouting Combine.
Although the Panthers exercised Burns’ fifth-year option in 2023, they still have the option to utilize the franchise tag before Tuesday’s deadline.
Should Burns play under the tag, he would be entitled to a $24 million salary in 2024, and the Panthers would have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract with him. The Panthers could explore the possibility of trading Burns after tagging him, though they purportedly declined an offer to exchange him for two first-round picks in 2022.
Their refusal at that time suggested confidence in securing Burns for the long term, but developments have unfolded differently in Carolina.