Brian Burns addresses trade rumors as Tuesday's deadline looms
Brian Burns knows a thing or two about trade rumors. Since training camp, when the Carolina Panthers failed to reach a contract extension with the Pro Bowl-caliber outside linebacker, it was believed that Burns would eventually be traded or tagged. However, with the 4 p.m. Tuesday trade deadline looming, Burns is not worried about being […]
Brian Burns knows a thing or two about trade rumors.
Since training camp, when the Carolina Panthers failed to reach a contract extension with the Pro Bowl-caliber outside linebacker, it was believed that Burns would eventually be traded or tagged. However, with the 4 p.m. Tuesday trade deadline looming, Burns is not worried about being sent elsewhere. He said he's grown accustomed to the rumors.
"This trade stuff [has] been going on for three years, man,” Burns said. "I stand with God."
Burns and the Panthers haven't engaged in contract discussions since Week 1 of the NFL season.
The pass rusher has opted to allow his on-field production to do the talking. In seven games, Burns has five sacks and 21 tackles.
With no deal, the Panthers could move him for future draft capital, namely some of the draft picks the team sent away to acquire the No. 1 overall pick.
However, the organization has been unwilling to deal Burns elsewhere, according to reports.
Though Burns' future with the team is still unknown, and his lack of a long-term contract makes him an apprehensive trade target, the edge rusher is learning to deal with uncertainty by merely controlling what he can and doing his job.
“My focus is winning here,” Burns said. "I don’t like to look on the other side because the grass isn’t greener always on the other side. I like to focus where I’m at, be where my feet are. So, that’s always been my focus.”
As the hours wind down on the trade deadline, Burns' future isn't even a thought in his mind. He's too focused on doing his job in the present and allowing the powers that be to figure out everything else.
Brian Burns not ‘expected’ to be traded ahead of NFL trade deadline
Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers defensive star, isn’t expected to be traded ahead of the trade deadline, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
