In a significant offseason move, the New York Giants have secured the services of dynamic defensive player, Brian Burns. Burns joins the Giants after a productive tenure with the Carolina Panthers, where he consistently demonstrated his pass-rushing prowess.
Burns' Track Record and Expectations
At 25, Brian Burns is entering what he believes are his prime years. "I really don't feel like I tapped into my ceiling. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface," Burns shared. "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." Given his history, those words are not just optimism; they come backed by substantial evidence.
During his five seasons with the Panthers, Burns has never dipped below 7.5 sacks annually. Last season alone, he recorded 40 pressures, 8.0 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and an eye-catching 11.1% pressure rate. His overall contribution includes 59 tackles for loss since entering the NFL in 2019, placing him sixth in the league over that period.
A Calculated Acquisition
The Giants acquired Burns through a strategic trade with the Panthers, involving a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Additionally, the Giants have committed to Burns with a lucrative five-year, $150 million deal, underscoring their expectation that he will be a cornerstone of their defense.
Reinforcing the Pass Rush
Burns joins a youthful and already potent Giants pass rush, featuring 23-year-old Kayvon Thibodeaux and 26-year-old Dexter Lawrence. This trio has the potential to form one of the NFL's most formidable defensive fronts.
In particular, Burns is excited about the direction under the new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. "It allows me to continue to attack the quarterback," Burns emphasized, noting his relief at not having to drop back into coverage as frequently. "Not going backwards, not going into coverage as much. The main thing is we're going after the quarterback and we're embracing it."
Room for Improvement
The Giants' defense, which finished 29th in total defense and 22nd in scoring last season, desperately needed an infusion of talent and a strategic revamp. With the highest blitz and man coverage rates in the NFL last season, there was pressure but clearly not enough productivity. Burns' arrival, paired with Bowen's schematic adjustments, aims to lift the Giants' defense to new heights.
Last season, the Giants' pressure rate stood at 31.7%, a figure that they will be eager to improve upon with Burns in the lineup. His addition is seen as a critical piece in achieving that goal, with his ability to get after the quarterback being a vital asset.
Burns' confidence is infectious, and if his track record is anything to go by, he stands poised to make a significant impact on the Giants' defense. As the team looks ahead to training camp and the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Burns to see if he can help transform a struggling unit into one of the league's elite defenses.