How much Brian Burns has to lose if he holds out Week 1
It is the possibility the Carolina Panthers must acknowledge — Brian Burns skipping out on Week 1 of the NFL regular season. But how much will Burns lose if he chooses not to play? Well, a lot. If he were to sit out games, he would forfeit nearly $890,000 a week — or 1/18th of his […]
It is the possibility the Carolina Panthers must acknowledge — Brian Burns skipping out on Week 1 of the NFL regular season.
But how much will Burns lose if he chooses not to play? Well, a lot.
If he were to sit out games, he would forfeit nearly $890,000 a week — or 1/18th of his $16 million salary that was guaranteed when the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option.
Burns' contract dispute has its roots in the two-time Pro Bowler wanting to be paid among the NFL’s highest pass rushers, a market that will reset if the San Francisco 49ers and Nick Bosa can agree on a deal expected to reach $30 million a year.
Yet, all reports still indicate that the Panthers and Burns remain far apart regarding a working contract.
Whether Burns is of the same value as a Bosa is up for the Panthers to decide. It is evident that Burns sees he has leverage in negotiations, as the Panthers' pass-rush depth is sorely lacking.
Additionally, much of the new 3-4 scheme relies on Burns being an elite pass-rushing threat. Without him, the Panthers' defense may be pedestrian at best.
Even if Burns returns to practice to end the week heading into Week 1, if no contract is signed, the Panthers are still at a high threat of losing one of their best players for nothing.
“I’m at the stage in this where I’m not involved in the contract negotiation. At all. Zero,” Panthers head coach Frank Reich said. “Mr. Tepper and Scott [Fitterer] asked me my views of certain things. I’ve expressed my views.
“I’m just worried about gettin’ our team ready to play Atlanta. Really. That’s all that’s on my mind. And do I hope he’s there? Absolutely I hope he’s there. But if he’s not there, I’m not worried about it. Just move forward.”
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Feature image via Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports.
