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The Panthers defense, which recorded the fewest sacks (27) and the fewest pressures (90) in 2023, is having trouble getting to opposing quarterbacks as it is. So imagine just how helpless they’d be without their top pass rusher.
Whether or not you believe Burns is worth the $30 million a year he’s reportedly seeking, the organization is already too deep into this hole. Not only have they raised his value by failing to roster any other formidable sack artists and turning down a massive haul for Burns from the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, but they also can’t afford to lose yet another first-round, homegrown talent. (See McCaffrey, Christian and Moore, DJ.)
At the core of what’s become an unexpectedly bumpy journey to a long-term pact is a player who teams look to build around. Burns is already a two-time Pro Bowl starter, a well-respected leader, a premium player at a premium position and is still just 25 years of age.
Heck, even if they have to tag-and-trade him, the Panthers have to find a way to get some sort of value out of the best player they’ve got.
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