NFL.com labels Brian Burns trade a 'home-run move' for Giants
It's now been a few weeks since the Giants pulled off a blockbuster trade that brought Brian Burns into the fold, and yet the positive reviews keep coming.
NFL.com's Kevin Patra recently awarded grades to teams that made notable trades this offseason.
When it came to the acquisition of the outside linebacker, the Giants were given an A+, one of only two teams to receive that high of a grade.
"This was a home-run move by Big Blue," wrote Patra. "Teams can rarely acquire two-time Pro Bowl pass rushers without giving up multiple highly prized assets. Adding Burns in exchange for a second-round choice and two Day 3 picks is a steal in my book. Locking him down with a big-money long-term deal was simply the icing on the cake.
"Turning 26 next month, Burns can win with speed and power. He discombobulates backfields and requires attention from the offense. The combination of Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence will put offensive lines in a pickle. Someone could be coming free every snap. Even in what was a down 2023 by his standards, Burns generated eight sacks. For his career, Burns has earned 46 sacks and 59 tackles for loss. If the NFL is built around quarterbacks, those who can disrupt the passer are extremely valuable, and the Giants snagged a pass-disruptor without sacrificing a first-round pick."
Burns was set to be one of the top free agents on the market this offseason before the Panthers placed the franchise tag on him.
His 46 career sacks are tied for 12th in the NFL since he entered the league in 2019, while his 59 tackles for loss are tied for sixth-most in that span. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder also has 95 quarterback hits, eight forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Burns has never recorded fewer than 7.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits in a season, which he did as a rookie. Burns posted career-highs in sacks (12.5) and quarterback hits (22) in 2022, when he earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
As mentioned by Patra, Burns will now be joined on the defensive line by fellow two-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence on the inside and Kayvon Thibodeaux, who just turned in his first double-digit sack season, on the opposite edge. According to Pro Football Focus, the trio combined for 148 quarterback pressures in 2023.
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