In a significant move that bolsters their defensive lineup, the New York Giants have acquired Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers. The trade involved a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, a price the Giants were more than willing to pay for the promising pass rusher.
Entering His Prime
Burns, who joins the Giants at the age of 25, believes he is stepping into the peak years of his career. "I really don't feel like I tapped into my ceiling. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. I feel like I'm really entering my prime, honestly. I feel like there's so much more I can get better at. There's so much more I can improve on. Those numbers are gonna skyrocket once I do," he said confidently.
Burns has indeed been a consistent force on the field. Over his five seasons with the Panthers, he has recorded a minimum of 7.5 sacks each year. His performance last season was stellar, with 40 pressures, 8.0 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and an 11.1% pressure rate. Since entering the NFL in 2019, Burns has accumulated 59 tackles for loss, ranking sixth in the league over that span.
Fitting into the New Defensive Scheme
The Giants' new defensive coordinator, Shane Bowen, will undoubtedly look to capitalize on Burns' impressive skill set. Despite finishing 29th in total defense and 22nd in scoring last season, the Giants exhibited some aggressive tendencies. They had the highest blitz and man coverage rates in the NFL, strategies that align well with Burns' strengths.
Reflecting on his new role, Burns expressed relief and excitement. "It allows me to continue to attack the quarterback," he said, emphasizing the shift in his responsibilities. "Not going backwards, not going into coverage as much. The main thing is we're going after the quarterback and we're embracing it."
A Formidable Pass-Rushing Unit
Burns will be joining a promising young pass-rushing unit that includes Kayvon Thibodeaux, 23, and Dexter Lawrence, 26. Both players have shown significant potential, and the addition of Burns only enhances the unit's prowess. Last season, the Giants managed a pressure rate of 31.7%, a figure they will look to improve with Burns in their ranks.
The Giants' faith in Burns is evident not only in the trade's terms but also in the contract they've offered him. Burns has signed a five-year, $150 million deal, a substantial commitment that underscores the team's belief in his capabilities and future contributions.
The Road Ahead
With Burns on board, the Giants are poised to make significant strides in their defensive performance. His addition brings both immediate impact and future potential, making the Giants' defensive strategy much more formidable. As Burns himself noted, he's just scratching the surface of his abilities, and the Giants are banking on those numbers skyrocket as he hits his prime.
For now, all eyes will be on how swiftly and seamlessly Burns adapts to his new environment and how Bowen utilizes his talent to reshape the Giants' defense. The consensus among analysts and fans alike is that Brian Burns has the potential to be a game-changer for the New York Giants, marking this acquisition as a bold and promising move.