Burns mark
New pass-rusher ‘giddy’ to make a Giant impact
It was just past 5 p.m. Wednesday, and Brian Burns was not sure what he was feeling. It had been a whirlwind few days, and just a few minutes earlier he had signed his name to a five-year contract worth $141 million to play for the Giants.
His first five NFL seasons were spent with the Panthers, and a trade on Monday sent him to a new city, a new team and a new chapter in his career. He called the moment “still a little surreal’’ as he sat in the Giants’ facility, his family in the building to share in the big day with him.
“And now I’m kind of overtaken with a lot of emotions,’’ he said. “Once I’m done processing, I’m super excited to be here. Right now I’m kind of all over the place. I’m a little giddy.’’
That is an apt description as to what the Giants and their fans are feeling. Not long after news came down — certainly not unexpected news — that star running back Saquon Barkley was leaving, for the hated Eagles, and starting safety Xavier McKinney was signing with the Packers, the Giants completed a complicated transaction to get a soon-to-be 26year-old pass-rushing defensive end into the fold.
The Giants sent to Carolina a 2024 secondround pick, a 2025 fifthround pick and the teams swapped 2024 fifth-round draft picks. Before this deal could be finalized, the Giants had to get to work on a mega-contract for Burns, which they did, and before long, Burns was on a flight to New Jersey.
Playing 80 of a possible 83 games for the Panthers, Burns had 46 sacks, eight forced fumbles and a reputation for suiting up every weekend. Now he brings all that to the Giants, wearing jersey No. 0.
“They’re getting somebody that’s coming to work,’’ Burns said. “I’ll always be professional, I always be a pro, that’s No. 1. I’m relentless. They’re getting a playmaker and they’re just getting a guy that’s gonna really enjoy the process, take it day by day. I really take a lot of pride in getting better. I feel like I can learn from a lot of cats, especially on this team. I’m a team guy, always been a team guy, I’m a natural leader and just ready to get to work.’’
Burns in his five seasons in Carolina experienced losing on a regular basis. The Panthers during his time there were 5-11, 5-11, 5-12, 7-10 and 2-15. That combined record of 24-59 is brutal, and the Giants in that same span were only slightly less brutal, going 29-53-1. Unlike the Panthers, the Giants did squeeze one winning season and one playoff victory into that otherwise desultory five-year stretch.
“I want to put that in the rearview as soon as possible,’’ Burns said of all the losing he’s endured. “I honestly would say it definitely prepared me for what is coming in the future. Going through seasons as such, it was tough, but it kind of teaches you resilience and not to give up and shows your character.’’ Burns came out of Florida State and went to the Panthers at No. 16 overall in the 2019 draft. One pick later, the Giants took defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence out of Clemson. Burns knows Lawrence from high school all-star games. “Nothing too deep,’’ he said.
When Burns was in college, he hosted Kayvon Thibodeaux on a recruiting trip. Thibodeaux ended up going to Oregon. These two young edge rushers will soon line up on opposite sides of the Giants’ defensive line.
“I think it will be healthy competition,’’ Burns said. “We’re definitely going to push each other because he’s very talented, as well am I. It’s all in fun and games. I think we’re gonna make each other a lot better, honestly.’’ He sounded … giddy. “Super-excited to be a Giant now,’’ Burns said. “I’m ready to start this new journey and continue my career. I’m ready to do great things.’’
The Giants did not tender restricted free agent wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. The tender would have been a one-year deal for $3 million. The Giants wanted to keep him at a lower price. And Hodgins is now headed for the open market. Hodgins was a big factor down the stretch of the 2022 season, catching four touchdown passes, but in 17 games last season he had just 21 receptions for 230 yards and three TDs.
Cornerback Nick McCloud was tendered on a one-year deal for $3 million, which is not guaranteed. McCloud, 25, played in 31 games (11 starts) the past two seasons and showed versatility for his ability to also move into a safety role. McCloud had been a restricted free agent. Tight end Lawrence Cager, a restricted free agent, was re-signed.