The New York Giants have a cornerstone piece leading the defense in edge rusher Brian Burns.
After acquiring the former first-round pick from the Carolina Panthers in a blockbuster deal last offseason, New York signed the talented pass-rusher to a $141 million deal.
Burns had a solid first season with the Giants, posting 8.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits and 17 tackles for loss. His 61 total pressures were tied for the 13th-most among edge rushers, per Pro Football Focus.
With that said, Enzo Flojo of Clutch Points proposed a shocking scenario in which the Giants trade Burns away to the Cincinnati Bengals.
“That said, New York’s selection of Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick changes everything. Carter is a blue-chip pass rusher who will start immediately. The Giants also plan to keep Kayvon Thibodeaux on the fifth-year option,” Flojo wrote. “That makes Burns the third wheel in a two-man pass rush rotation. And that’s too much money and too much talent to be used sparingly.
“Of course, the cost won’t be cheap. However, if Cincinnati believes it’s in a win-now window, this is the kind of splash trade that pays off in January.”
With respect to Flojo, who incorrectly believes Burns would be considered the third wheel in a pass-rush rotation, it would be a bizarre scenario to see the Giants part ways with Burns after just one season.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are stuck in heated contract negotiations with Trey Hendrickson. Though Burns is younger, it’s difficult to see Cincinnati wanting to take on the remainder of the $141 million contract when they could get Hendrickson back on a cheaper deal.
The Giants have some question marks on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense could be a stout unit in 2025. Much of that is due to the presence Burns brings as a pass-rusher.
Anything can happen in the NFL, but the idea of Burns being shipped off after just arriving in New York isn’t a realistic scenario.