The New York Giants are gearing up for a promising new season, with the acquisition of standout defensive player Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers. Burns, who is entering his prime years at just 25, believes his best football is ahead of him, bringing a new level of optimism to a Giants' defense that has been in dire need of revitalization.
Burns Brings Proven Talent to the Giants
Brian Burns has a proven track record of being a consistent pass-rushing threat, evidenced by his statistics over his five-year career with the Panthers. Achieving a minimum of 7.5 sacks each season, Burns has demonstrated his capability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Last season alone, he racked up 40 pressures, 8.0 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and maintained an 11.1% pressure rate. His 59 tackles for loss since 2019 rank him sixth in the league, underscoring his ability to make impactful plays in the backfield.
A Strategic Trade and Contract
The Giants secured Burns through a trade that involved a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, showcasing the team's commitment to bolstering their defense. The move was further solidified with a significant investment, as the Giants signed Burns to a five-year, $150 million deal. This contract not only reflects Burns' value on the field but also signals the Giants' intention to build a formidable pass-rushing unit.
Boosting the Pass-Rushing Unit
Joining a pass-rushing lineup that already includes young talents like Kayvon Thibodeaux, 23, and Dexter Lawrence, 26, Burns is set to add depth and experience to the Giants' defensive front. His presence is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on his teammates, potentially allowing for more dynamic and diverse defensive schemes under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
Embracing a Focused Defensive Role
In his introduction to the Giants' defense, Burns expressed his enthusiasm for a scheme that emphasizes attacking the quarterback. "It allows me to continue to attack the quarterback," Burns said, highlighting 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."
Rebuilding a Struggling Defense
The Giants' defense faced significant challenges last season, finishing 29th in total defense and 22nd in scoring. Despite leading the league in blitz and man coverage rates, the defense struggled to consistently apply pressure, ending the season with a pressure rate of 31.7%. The addition of Burns is seen as a crucial step towards rectifying these issues and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the defense.
Burns' Optimism for the Future
Burns himself is confident that his best football is yet to come. "I really don't feel like I tapped into my ceiling. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. I feel like I'm really entering my prime, honestly," Burns stated. "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."
With Burns bringing his high-caliber play and optimistic outlook to New York, the Giants and their fans have every reason to be excited. His addition marks a significant step towards building a defense capable of competing at the highest levels, making the upcoming season one to watch closely.