Panthers Likely to Tag Brian Burns, a Year After Rejecting Significant Offer From the Rams for the Star

Brian Burns has been a topic of much contention, especially for the Carolina Panthers and their fans. The future of the defensive end is still undecided. However, there are chances that the Panthers will end up using their franchise tag on Burns to retain him!

For some time now, the Panthers’ management has demonstrated that Burns is an integral part of their system. Whether playing at DE or as a linebacker, the Panthers need Burns. And they proved it by rejecting the mega offer from the Los Angeles Rams.

The Panthers want to utilize the franchise tag

Burns and the Panthers could not agree after weeks of negotiations. The Panthers were looking to tie down the 25-year-old for a long-term deal. However, the salary implications look to be the breaking point. Since, it was reported that Burns required a contract worth $30 million, which the Panthers were unwilling to pay.

Hence, according to several sources, the Panthers will be using their last remaining option. They will be going for the franchise tag to hold onto the 2X Pro Bowler.

In 2022, the Panthers decided to decline the substantial trade offer by the Rams for the LB. The Rams had offered two first-round picks and a package of second-round picks to the Panthers, all the way till 2025!

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Even then, they failed to agree with the star. And after a similar case this year, they will be tagging Burns. How beneficial is the franchise tag going to be for Burns?

Brian Burns gets a pay bump

Burns signed a 4-year rookie contract for $13.5 million with the Panthers in 2019. According to the rules of franchise tagging, the team has to pay the player a fixed salary, which is the average of the top 5 players in his position.

Since Burns played mostly as the LB last season, his salary for the 2024 season will be $22.7 million. A major jump from his previous yearly salary of $3.35 million! This situation will also give the Panthers an extra year to negotiate a long-term deal with Burns.

Do you think Brian Burns will be tagged by the Panthers? Let us know in the comments.

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