How a huge Panthers mistake let Brian Burns fall into Giants’ lap

Brian Burns easily could have been in Hollywood instead of on Broadway.

One-and-a-half years before the Giants acquired the star pass rusher from the Panthers, Carolina turned down a monster trade package for Burns.

The Rams offered Carolina two first-round picks and a second-round pick for Burns prior to the 2022 trade deadline in their attempt to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

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Carolina declined the offer, according to ESPN.

The Panthers ultimately settled for a 2024 second-round pick and 2025 fifth-round pick, plus a 2024 fifth-round pick swap, from the Giants.

And Big Blue certainly isn’t complaining.

The Giants clearly believe Burns, 25, is and will continue to be one of the premier defenders in the NFL, awarding him a five-year, $150 million contract.

His deal features $87.5 million in guaranteed money and is the second-highest deal for a defensive end in NFL history, according to ESPN.

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Burns, who turns 26 in April, has tallied 46 sacks across his first four seasons, including a career-best 12.5 during the 2022 season.

The linebacker/defensive end has tallied at least 7.5 sacks in each of his first seasons, including this past season when he tallied eight along with 21 pressures.

Carolina originally drafted Burns with the 16th pick in the NFL Draft following a successful college career with Florida State.

Burns has proven to be durable and dependable — two traits the Giants prioritize — having played in 80 games across his five seasons and never less than 15.

Carolina attempted to sign Burns to a long-term deal but the sides could not come to terms.

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Now under new general manager Dan Morgan, the Panthers took what they could and added a valuable second-round pick in a draft in which the Bears own their first-round selection.

But a second-round pick certainly pales in comparison to two first-rounders.