A temporary solution, albeit one that primarily benefits the Panthers, has emerged in the ongoing tale of contract negotiations between outstanding pass rusher Brian Burns and the team.
In a recent report, NFL Network source Ian Rapoport stated that the Panthers have decided to apply the franchise tag to their gifted outside linebacker, who is 25 years old. Burns, whose rookie contract was about to expire, is basically barred from pursuing unrestricted free agency this winter by this calculated manoeuvre.
The sides’ negotiations have come to a deadlock, despite early hopes for a long-term deal. Early in September, Burns himself admitted that negotiations had been placed on hold after failing to reach a new agreement during the summer.
According to reports, Burns would like to receive an annual salary of close to $30 million, which would put him in the upper echelon of edge defender earnings. The Panthers, on the other hand, were reportedly willing to pay up to $27 million.Ezoic
The value of the franchise tag has increased in tandem with the recent rise in the NFL salary cap. In the event that a new deal is not reached, Burns’ linebacker salary for the 2024 campaign is projected to be slightly over $24 million.
Both the Panthers and the Burns have a July 15 deadline to reach a mutually beneficial contract, so time is of the essence. In the event that discussions are still unsuccessful by then, Burns will be playing in 2024 with a franchise tag.
