Brian Burns, a two-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the Carolina Panthers, will lead the New York Giants in his upcoming NFL season. He had just inked a $150 million, five-year contract with the team.
Burns spoke positively about the group he will play with, which includes two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux. He also discussed his expectations for this group to establish themselves as the Giants’ long-term defensive backbone.
According to the NFL Network, Burns stated at the Dexter Lawrence Charity Softball Game, “That is soon to be found out.” Right now, all we’re aiming for is daily improvement. I believe the possibilities are endless when we combine our skills. Really, there is nothing we can’t do. We’re all young, so maybe this will last for years to come.
Burns and Lawrence were taken in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, with Burns going as the 16th pick and Lawrence going as the 17th pick. According to the NFL network, they will both be playing for the same team six years later.
Thibodeaux was selected as the fifth choice overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. 2020 saw him win the Morris Trophy, and in 2022 he was selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. With 11.5 sacks, he topped the team in the previous campaign.
Burns also had good things to say about Lawrence, saying, “He commands a lot.” I’m looking forward to it since I know they need to focus on him, and since I’ll be facing them, they’ll essentially have to choose who they want to slide or key on. It will free us up a great deal because Dex and Kayvon both require a lot of attention.
Burns had an outstanding season with the Panthers, totaling 46 sacks in his career. Including two fumble recoveries, eight forced fumbles, thirteen pass deflections, and one defensive score, he has 246 total tackles.