On the opening day of NFL free agency, the New York Giants have reportedly made a significant move through a trade.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Giants have acquired star pass rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 39 overall) and fifth-round pick (No. 141) in next month’s draft.
Additionally, the Giants are set to sign Burns to a lucrative five-year deal worth up to $150 million, with $87.5 million guaranteed, as per NFL Network’s report.
With an average annual value of $30 million, this reported contract will rank Burns as the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid defensive player, trailing only Nick Bosa, Chris Jones, and Aaron Donald, according to salary data from Spotrac.
Burns, who will turn 26 in April, has spent his entire career thus far with the Panthers after being drafted 16th overall by the franchise in 2019. Last week, the Panthers placed a $24 million franchise tag on him.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Burns has amassed impressive statistics throughout his career, including 46 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 59 tackles for loss, 246 total tackles, and 95 quarterback hits in 67 starts and 80 appearances.
His standout season came in 2022, where he achieved career highs in sacks (12.5), tackles for loss (17), total tackles (63), and QB hits (22).
Not only has Burns been productive, but he has also demonstrated durability, having not missed more than one game in any of his first five seasons.
During the previous season, Burns showcased his prowess with eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 50 total tackles, and 18 quarterback hits in 16 games. His addition will further strengthen the Giants’ formidable defensive front, which already includes standouts like Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Earlier on Monday, the Giants reportedly secured offensive guard Jon Runyan on a three-year deal worth up to $30 million and running back Devin Singletary on a three-year deal worth up to $19.5 million in free agency.
Meanwhile, running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney have departed New York, landing deals with the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, respectively.
