49ers reportedly made call for Brian Burns before trading for Chase Young
The San Francisco 49ers made the splash move of the trade deadline when they dealt for Chase Young on Tuesday, but they had previously enquired about a trade that would arguably have been even more stunning. According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers were one of at least five teams to express […]
The San Francisco 49ers made the splash move of the trade deadline when they dealt for Chase Young on Tuesday, but they had previously enquired about a trade that would arguably have been even more stunning.
According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers were one of at least five teams to express an interest in acquiring Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns.
Burns is in the final year of his contract with the 1-6 Panthers. However, Carolina clearly sees him as a cornerstone of its future plans, and Schefter reported the Panthers were quick to inform the interested parties there was no chance of Burns being moved.
After a career year last season in which he had 12.5 sacks, Burns already has five this season and is blessed with the kind of explosiveness and bend that would have made him an excellent complement to reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa on the San Francisco defensive line.
Instead it is Young who will serve as that complement, and the wide disparity in pressure numbers this season suggests he may be a better option. Young has 38 pressures this season, per Pro Football Focus, compared to 16 for Burns.
San Francisco likely would have had to give up a lot more for Burns than the compensatory third-round selection the Niners surrendered for Young, whose injury history may have contributed to the eminently reasonable price paid for his services.
But the 49ers' apparent interest in ponying up more significant capital for Burns is an indicator they may have been ready to make a long-term commitment to the former Florida State star.
The consensus with Young is he will likely end up being only a rental for San Francisco. Yet the 49ers' willingness to explore a deal for Burns that might not have been worth the opportunity cost without a long-term deal could serve as an indication they will at least try to tie down Young should he prove the solution to their unexpected pass-rushing woes.
Montez Sweat’s contract illustrates the challenge the 49ers face with Chase Young
It gives an idea of the potential price.
