In a significant offseason move, the New York Giants have bolstered their defensive line by acquiring standout pass rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers. Burns arrives in New York with an impressive resume, including a consistent record of at least 7.5 sacks each year over his five NFL seasons. His statistical prowess includes 40 pressures, 8 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and an 11.1% pressure rate last season alone, making him a formidable addition to an evolving Giants defense.
Bumps and Bruises
Brian Burns, who has accumulated 59 tackles for loss since entering the league in 2019 — ranking him sixth in the NFL during that span — comes to the Giants through a high-stakes trade. The Giants parted with a substantial package, including a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, to secure Burns' services. However, the 25-year-old pass rusher's potential upside appears to justify the investment.
A Defensive Overhaul
The Giants have also brought in Shane Bowen as their new defensive coordinator. This hiring signals a strategic shift for a defense that struggled significantly last season, finishing 29th in total defense and 22nd in scoring. Known for posting the highest blitz and man coverage rates in the league, the Giants' defensive unit was plagued by inconsistency, despite their aggressive approach.
Burns' addition aims to energize a pass-rushing unit that already features emerging talents like Kayvon Thibodeaux, 23, and Dexter Lawrence, 26. The infusion of experience and skill provided by Burns could be the catalyst that helps elevate the entire defensive squad.
Burns' Confidence in New Role
Burns himself is optimistic about his future with the Giants. "I really don't feel like I tapped into my ceiling. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. I feel like I'm really entering my prime, honestly," Burns said confidently. His self-assuredness is backed by five seasons of strong performance metrics; yet, he believes his best days are still ahead of him. "I feel like there's so much more I can get better at. There's so much more I can improve on. Those numbers are gonna skyrocket once I do."
Adjusting to his role within the Giants' defensive scheme under Shane Bowen, Burns emphasized his excitement about the opportunity to focus on attacking the quarterback. "It allows me to continue to attack the quarterback," Burns noted, expressing his relief at the prospect of not having to drop back into coverage as frequently. "Not going backwards, not going into coverage as much. The main thing is we're going after the quarterback and we're embracing it."
A Tangible Commitment
The Giants' faith in Burns is underscored by the substantial five-year, $150 million deal they signed him to. This commitment reflects their belief not only in his current abilities but also in his potential to grow into a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. Last season, the Giants posted a pressure rate of 31.7%, indicating a hunger for disruption that Burns is perfectly suited to satisfy.
As Burns integrates into his new environment, Giants fans and analysts alike will closely watch how this addition affects the team's defensive performance. With a redefined role that allows him to prioritize what he does best — pressuring the quarterback — Burns has the chance to become a vital piece in the Giants' quest to transform their defensive identity.