The Giants provided a big boost to its defense this week with the acquisition of outside linebacker Brian Burns.
The two-time Pro Bowler has registered 46 sacks in 80 career games (67 starts) across five seasons with the Panthers. His sack total is tied for 12th in the NFL since he entered the league while his 59 tackles for loss are tied for sixth-most in that span.
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 outside. According to Pro Football Focus, the trio combined for 148 quarterback pressures in 2023.
Many NFL analysts praised the Giants for their big swing in landing Burns at the start of free agency.
Here are the expert grades for the trade.
Grade: A
Analysis: "The Giants' defensive line now features Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II. In an NFC East that once again seems wide open, the Giants have a legitimate strength on one side of the ball. Defensive end is arguably the second-most important position in football, and while the Giants gave up draft assets and spent big on Burns, having to pay a good pass-rusher is a good problem to have. We saw the same thing play out with the Bears at last season's deadline when they dealt for Montez Sweat and immediately gave him a big contract. It's much better than not having a premier player at the edge position."
Grade: A
Analysis: "The second-round pick is a quality asset, but it's worth the price for a pass rusher who figures to remain on an upward trajectory for a few more years. Burns, who turns 26 in April, has consistently gotten after the quarterback for defenses that too frequently didn't provide much help around him. He's also durable, having missed only three games in five seasons. With Burns, Thibodeaux and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the Giants are investing in the trenches, which is necessary to compete against the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East."
Grade: A
Analysis: "Give credit to the Giants for addressing a pass rush that was one of the worst in the NFL and adding one of the game's top edge rushers -- only giving up a 2024 second-round pick and 2025 fifth-round pick to get Burns. New York still has Kayvon Thibodeaux (23) and Dexter Lawrence (26) to pair with Burns (25), creating one of the best pass rushing units in football... New York is a better team with Burns on the defense."
Grade: A++ (Fit/Need)
Analysis: "The most favorable way to look at this deal is that the Giants effectively used the draft capital they acquired for interior defender Leonard Williams to land a younger player looking for a second contract instead of a third contract. Burns addresses arguably the biggest need on this Giants roster and should have a lot less attention on him all the time now playing alongside Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux."
View the best photos from the NFL career of outside linebacker Brian Burns.
New Orleans Saints running back Tony Jones Jr. (34) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sep. 18, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) celebrates after making a stop on defense during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Monday, Sep. 18, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) reacts against the New Orleans Saints during an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) lines up during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 24-10. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) points during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 24-10. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) engages with Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O'Neill (75) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) on defense during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) on defense during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Monday, Sep. 18, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Monday, Sep. 18, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) lines up during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 24-10. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) works against New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sep. 18, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) plays against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns plays against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) yells as he takes the field during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) following an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns stands on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 37-27. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown and linebacker Brian Burns tackle Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns lines up for a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns lines up for a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) rushes the passer as the rain falls during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) is pressured by Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) plays against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) celebrates after making a play on defense during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) plays against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) celebrates a sack during an NFL game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 29. 2023 in Charlotte, NC. {"DUNCAN BOONE" via AP)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) works against Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 24-10. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) in action during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns enters the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) in action during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) runs with the ball and is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) on defense against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns walks on the field following an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) heads to the field an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) reacts following a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) in action during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) in action during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers tries to run past Carolina Panthers' Brian Burns during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) looks on during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sep. 27, 2020 in Inglewood, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) rushes against Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Indianapolis Colts' Nyheim Hines (21) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Brian Burns (53) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is pursued by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (53) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) forcing a fumble during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (53) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Bruce Irvin (55) hugs linebacker Brian Burns (53) following Burns' touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (53) lines up against Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Jordan Mills (79) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) looks on in the second quarter during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 28-27. (AP Photo/David Berding)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns reacts after a sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns reacts after a defensive play against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns reacts after a sack against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) lines up against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) is seen during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 36-28. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) on defense during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during pregame warmups before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys , Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Carolina Panthers Brian Burns during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) readies at the line of scrimmage in the second quarter during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 28-27. (AP Photo/David Berding)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53 )stands in position during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard park, N.Y., Sunday Dec. 19, 2021. (AP/ Photo Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sep. 25, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) plays against the Washington Football Team during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) tackles Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) on the run in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) plays against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sep. 25, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray passes under pressure from Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) rushes against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) on defense during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) makes his way onto the field before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sep. 25, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) takes the field before an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) in action during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns reacts after making a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns forces a fumble by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is hit by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) and Carolina Panthers defensive end Marquis Haynes Sr. (98) after he passes the ball during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during the first half an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) on defense during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns forces a fumble by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) on defense during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) on defense during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) in action during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns forces a fumble by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns lines up against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 02, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes under pressure from Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 02, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) reacts after a play on defense during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) reacts after a play on defense during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) pauses between plays during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 09, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) reacts after a play on defense during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) celebrates a sack during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 09, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (29) hangs on as Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns, left, and teammate linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) make the stop during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 23 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) reacts to a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) prepares to block during the second half of a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022 in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) prepares to block during the second half of a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022 in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) on defense during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Nov. 10 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) reacts during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) throws under pressure from Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) and linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) during overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 37-34. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Nov. 10 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Nov. 10 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Nov. 10 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) lines up during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 37-34. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns celebrates after sacking Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson during the first half of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) lines up against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) looks on between plays during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns runs onto the field before an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) takes the field during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) celebrates after making a play on defense during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) walks onto the field before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 37-34. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) warms up before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Seattle, WA. The Panthers defeated the Seahawks 30-24. (AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) tries to adjust to the ball carrier as he gets into the backfield during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, January 1, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) throws under pressure from Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Grade: A-
Analysis: "The Giants now have an excellent pass rushing duo with first-rounders Burns and third-year edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux (11.5 sacks last season). They'll lead the effort to improve the pass rush that generated only 34 sacks in 2023 to rank 29th."
Grade: B+
Analysis: "New York needed another force player along the front seven that it could rely on to generate consistent pressure. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is the NFL's best pass-rushing nose tackle, while Thibodeaux came into his own as his rookie campaign progressed. But Burns will add a new dimension to the Giants' pass-rushing plan. An athletic marvel, Burns has been incredibly consistent for the Panthers, posting at least eight sacks and 18 QB hits in four straight years. And perhaps most importantly, he won't turn 26 years old until next month. Young, talented, franchise-caliber pass rushers like Burns don't often become available. Good on the Giants for striking and adding a premier talent at a minimal draft cost."
Grade: B+
Analysis: "What an absolute grand slam by Giants general manager Joe Schoen. In the interest of taking more offensive line attention off the ascending Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York pairs him with Burns, one of the NFL's most underrated edge defenders. Any time you can give your franchise player a running mate with 95 quarterback hits, 59 tackles-for-loss, and 46 sacks in 67 career games, you take it and run... New York now potentially owns one of the finest pass-rush duos in the NFL, and both are locked in for the foreseeable future. This is exactly how you revamp and revitalize a defense."
Named the Giants' trade for Burns among the five best moves at the start of free agency
Analysis: "The Giants not only landed Burns for a low cost (draft-pick wise), they were able to pair him with Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the defensive line which is going to be a *problem* for quarterbacks in 2024. Burns was a bad fit in Carolina's scheme and should have a bounce back season coming up."
