NEW DELHI: The Carolina Panthers have applied the franchise tag to retain pass rusher Brian Burns, marking him as a non-exclusive franchise player. However, the non-exclusive designation allows Burns to engage in contract discussions with other teams once free agency kicks off next week. The franchise tag decision comes after the Panthers and Burns failed to reach a long-term contract agreement in over a year of negotiations.
Burns, 25, has been a standout performer for the Panthers, amassing 46 career sacks, including eight in the previous season. Despite his on-field success, reports suggest that Burns sought a salary of $30 million, aiming to position himself among the highest-paid defensive players in the league.
Discussions between the two parties have been complicated by an acrimonious relationship between Burns' agent and the previous Panthers regime. Last summer, Burns contemplated a "hold-in" strategy, considering sitting out training camp workouts while reporting to the team later in an attempt to facilitate a deal with then-GM Scott Fitterer.
First-year Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, who succeeded Fitterer, expressed openness to various options during the NFL Scouting Combine last week, indicating that the franchise tag was under consideration.
The franchise tag guarantees Burns a minimum salary of $24 million for the 2024 season. Despite the financial commitment, the Panthers might explore trade possibilities to bolster their draft pick pool, especially given their absence in the first round of the upcoming draft due to a previous trade with the Chicago Bears.
Morgan emphasized his admiration for Burns, stating, "We love Brian. Brian's a Panther," while also acknowledging the array of options the team is exploring in managing this contractual situation.
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