Panthers place franchise tag on Burns

The Carolina Panthers placed the franchise tag on pass-rusher Brian Burns, the team announced on Tuesday.

Burns will make approximately $24 million on the tag. The Panthers will have roughly $11 million in salary cap space after the move, per Over the Cap.

Carolina and Burns reportedly broke off long-term talks several days ago.

Burns has been a trade candidate before and could be the subject of rumors again this offseason. The Los Angeles Rams reportedly offered the Panthers a package including two first-round picks and a second-round selection during the 2022 campaign.

The Florida State product's sack production dipped slightly in 2023, but Burns still notched eight quarterback takedowns to lead the team. He also had 16 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.

The two-time Pro Bowler has racked up 46 sacks, 59 tackles for loss, 95 quarterback hits and eight forced fumbles since being selected No. 16 overall in the 2019 draft. His sack total ranks fifth on the club's all-time leaderboard.