Franchise tag only a band-aid for Panthers and EDGE Brian Burns

The Panthers applied an exclusive franchise tag worth $24.007 million to edge-rusher Brian Burns, locking him in for at least one more season with the franchise. However, unless Carolina takes major strides toward ending its six-year playoff drought in 2024, it could be his last. 

Over the past two seasons, the Panthers have made it clear how much they value Burns, and rightfully so. Edge-rushers productive as he's been since entering the league in 2019 aren't easy to find. If they were, more teams would have them.

Burns was Carolina's first-round pick (16th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft and has 46 career sacks in his first five seasons.

In 2022, the Panthers turned down a trade deadline offer of two first-round picks from the Rams for Burns. Tagging him for $24 million is a further indication that Carolina understands his worth.

Burns has until Jul. 15 to sign the franchise tag and could threaten to hold out or demand a trade, which has happened in years past with players including former Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Davante Adams in 2022 with the Packers. Burns could also sign a lucrative long-term deal with Carolina.

But if Burns signs the tender, it will potentially give the Panthers a decision to make at this year's trade deadline. 

As valuable as Burns is, if Carolina continues to struggle on the field, it would make more sense for both sides for Burns to be dealt.

He likely doesn't want to waste his prime on a bad team, making a long-term contract less probable. Since 2019, Carolina's 24 wins are the fewest in the NFL. 

Meanwhile, tagging him in 2025 would only be more expensive for the Panthers. Per NFL rules, players who are tagged twice are guaranteed at least 120 percent of their previous season's salary.

Should Carolina receive an offer like the one from the Rams two years ago, it would make sense for it to accept. That would certainly be preferable to Burns departing as an unrestricted free agent in 12 months.

The Panthers made the right call with the franchise tag, but it's only a band-aid. Carolina should prioritize agreeing on a long-term extension with its best defensive player prior to July's deadline. Otherwise, that bandage will really hurt when it's ripped off.