Analyzing potential trade scenarios between Packers and Panthers

Brian Burns, EDGE

Positional fit: 10/10

Chance of happening: Low

Similarly, it’s unlikely the Panthers will be willing to give up a young star pass rusher in Brian Burns. Perhaps the only difference here is that, unlike Moore, the Panthers haven’t yet agreed to a long-term extension with Burns.

Burns has one year remaining on his contract after 2022. According to Spotrac, his cap hit in 2023 will be $16.01 million. For a player as talented as Burns, that’s a bargain.

A first-round pick in 2019, Burns is a Pro Bowl pass rusher and has made 29.5 sacks and 61 quarterback hits in 53 career games.

Put him in a defense with another 2019 first-rounder, Rashan Gary, along with Preston Smith, and the Packers would have a dominant pass-rush trio.

Currently, the Packers are too reliant on Gary, Smith, and Kenny Clark. According to Pro Football Reference, this trio has combined for 29 pressures and 10.5 sacks this season. The rest of the team has a combined 10 pressures and 1.5 sacks.

Burns would be a difference-maker for Green Bay, and you could argue he would immediately become the team’s best pass rusher. It would be a tough choice between him and Gary.

That’s also a decision opposing offenses would need to make when determining who to double-team. Leave either Burns or Gary one-on-one too often, and it could be a long day.

Will it happen? Likely not. But if there’s any chance, the Packers should do whatever it takes.