New York Giants Acquire Star Pass Rusher Brian Burns in Blockbuster Trade

On the first day of March, the New York Giants have reportedly made a major splash in the NFL world with a blockbuster trade.

New York is acquiring star pass rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 39 overall) and a fifth-round pick (No. 141) in next month’s draft, as reported by NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

The Giants are also sealing the deal with Burns by signing him to a massive five-year contract worth up to $150 million, with $87.5 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.

With an average annual value of $30 million, Burns is set to become the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid defensive player, trailing behind Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and Aaron Donald.

Burns, who will turn 26 in April, spent the first five years of his career with Carolina after being drafted 16th overall by the franchise in 2019. The Panthers officially released him last week.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Burns has an impressive resume, totaling 46 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 59 tackles for loss, 246 total tackles, and 95 quarterback hits over his 67 starts and 80 appearances in the league.

His standout season was in 2022, where he achieved career highs in sacks (12.5), tackles for loss (17), total tackles (63), and QB hits (22).

Aside from his productivity, Burns has also shown durability, missing no more than one game in any of his first five seasons.

Last season, in 16 games, Burns recorded eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 50 total tackles, and 18 quarterback hits. His addition will bolster the already formidable Giants defensive front alongside tackle Dexter Lawrence and pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Earlier on the same day, the Giants made two other notable signings in the free agency market, adding a cornerback worth up to $30 million and reeling in a linebacker on a three-year deal worth up to $19.5 million.

Meanwhile, running back Saquon Barkley and safety Jabrill Peppers bid farewell to New York, securing deals with the NFL and the Green Bay Packers, respectively.

The NFL free agency period is off to an eventful start with the Giants making headline moves in their quest to strengthen the team for the upcoming season.