The New York Giants selected edge defender Abdul Carter with the third-overall pick in a move that could inadvertently signal the end of the Brian Burns Era. Acquired from the Carolina Panthers in the previous offseason, the former first-round pick signed a massive $141 million contract and was supposed to form one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushes with Kayvon Thibodeaux. Burns had a solid first season with the club, finishing 2024 with 8.5 sacks and a 79.2 PFF grade, the 19th-best mark in the league.
Unfortunately, that may not be enough to save his job. Carter is an elite prospect who will start from Day 1, and New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen said they will use the fifth-year option to retain Thibodeaux for the next two seasons. While you can never have too many pass rushers, someone will become an underutilized rotational player. Brian Burns might be the odd man out following the Abdul Carter selection, especially if the Giants can receive a decent return for the pass rusher.
Brian Burns Could Be On the Trade Block Following the Abdul Carter Selection
Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
Why not? The Carolina Panthers used a first-round pick on Brian Burns all those years ago, so it only makes sense they bring him back as Bryce Young develops into a franchise quarterback. With Tet McMillan on offense, the team has the offensive pieces to compete in a weak NFC South. However, they still need to build up the trenches, as they have yet to find a proper edge rusher to lead this defense. Burns is a natural fit for the role, and Carolina should be willing to part with a second-round pick for his services.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals addressed the trenches with defensive tackle Walter Nolen, but their work isn’t done yet. While Nolen can control the middle of the defensive line, this team needs someone to collapse the pocket from the outside. Brian Burns is a natural fit for head coach Jonathan Gannon, and the Cardinals leader desperately needs to make the playoffs in 2025. Historically speaking, coaches lose their jobs after three consecutive losing seasons, so he should do everything in his power to reach the postseason in 2025.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots wisely addressed the offensive line by selecting LSU’s Will Campbell with their first-round pick. However, now it’s time for the organization to look at the defensive side of the ball. Keion White is a solid rotational player, but his struggles against the run make him a questionable choice for a full-time job. Brian Burns is an ideal starter for Mike Vrabel’s defense, especially since Abdul Carter makes him expendable in New York. The Patriots have the cap space to take on Burns’ entire contract without impacting their long-term ability to build a sustained winner.
New Orleans Saints
General Manager Mickey Loomis does not believe in rebuilding. While the team is at a crossroads with Derek Carr’s future uncertain, Loomis will likely continue to push his chips to the middle and try to compete in a weak NFC South. The team already invested in Chase Young, but that shouldn’t stop them from going after Burns. It won’t be easy to make the money work, but nobody is better than Loomis at salary cap manipulation.
