CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Burns was traded by the Carolina Panthers to the New York Giants, ending an era that saw him become one of the team's best players.
The Panthers sent Burns to the Giants on Monday in exchange for a draft pick in the second and fifth round of this year's draft, according to Ian Rapoport. Burns signed a five-year deal for $150 million.
Burns' full five-year career had been with the Panthers. During his tenure, Burns led the Panthers in sacks in three seasons and made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022. He leaves Carolina fifth on the franchise's all-time sacks list.
The edge rusher became a fan favorite as he anchored a pass defense that surprisingly ranked as one of the league's best in 2021 and 2023 despite the team's abysmal record.
Carolina once could have received two first-round draft picks for Burns. The Los Angeles Rams offered two first-round draft picks for Burns at the trade deadline in 2022 but the Panthers said they were not interested. At that same trade deadline, the Panthers traded away Christian McCaffrey for picks in the second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds.
The Panthers have so far been active in free agency, signing former Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt and now trading Burns. First-year general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales are hoping these moves can turn around the Panthers from their NFL-worst 2015 record in 2023.
This article will be updated.
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