The New York Giants are bolstering their defensive arsenal with the acquisition of Brian Burns, a talented pass rusher from the Carolina Panthers. Burns, who joins the Giants after consistently impressive seasons with the Panthers, brings a significant boost to a defense that struggled last season.
Impressive Track Record
Since entering the NFL in 2019, Burns has established himself as a formidable force on the field. Over his five seasons with the Panthers, he has consistently recorded a minimum of 7.5 sacks each year. Last season was no exception, as Burns amassed 40 pressures, 8.0 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and an 11.1% pressure rate. Additionally, his 59 tackles for loss since 2019 rank him sixth in the league over that span.
Burns isn't just a transient addition; he arrives through a trade that saw the Giants parting with a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Further underlining their commitment, the Giants secured him with a five-year, $150 million deal, a testament to the high expectations surrounding his performance.
Poised for a Breakout
Burns himself is brimming with confidence about his future with the Giants. "I really don't feel like I tapped into my ceiling," he says. "I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. 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."
At just 25 years old, Burns believes he is stepping into the most productive era of his career. His addition is especially timely for a Giants' defense that finished 29th in total defense and 22nd in scoring last season. Despite leading the league in blitz and man coverage rates, the Giants' pressure rate was a mere 31.7%.
The New Defensive Dynamic
Burns’ excitement also extends to his role within the Giants’ defensive scheme. "It allows me to continue to attack the quarterback," he notes, expressing 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."
Burns will be joining forces with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence, both of whom are relatively young but highly talented and eager to improve. At 23 and 26 years old, respectively, Thibodeaux and Lawrence represent the foundation of a pass-rushing unit that has the potential to become one of the league's most formidable
New Leadership on Defense
This offseason, the Giants also brought in Shane Bowen as their new defensive coordinator. Bowen's defensive acumen will be crucial in integrating Burns into the system and maximizing the potential of a unit filled with youthful exuberance and raw talent. Given Bowen's experience and strategic mindset, expectations are high for a significant turnaround.
Burns' addition marks a new chapter in the Giants' defensive narrative. Equipped with a heavy investment and high hopes, Burns is eager to prove that his best years are indeed ahead of him. As he gears up to don the Giants' blue, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds.