Brian Burns is set to get paid if the Carolina Panthers choose not to franchise tag him in the 2024 offseason. 

In recent rankings by ESPN, Brian Burns came in ranked No. 1 overall on the outlet's top-25 free agent list. 

Burns was expecting a contract extension from the Panthers that never came, and with his free agency pending, he is set to get paid. 

Let's take a look at what ESPN had to say about Burns: 

Why he could get paid: Burns has five sacks this season after posting 12.5 in 2022, and his pass rush win rate of 27.3% would rank third in the NFL if he qualified. He's just now entering his prime playing years, too. Burns has high-end edge-rushing traits, including the speed, explosive power and lower-body flexibility to consistently create pocket disruption. — Bowen

What we're hearing: Burns would have a massive market in free agency, but the expectation around the league is the Panthers will franchise-tag Burns at around $22 million. Things will then get interesting. Does Burns stay away from the team and threaten to miss games? The sides never closed the gap in 2023 offseason negotiations, and it feels like anything is possible at this point. — Fowler

Burns deserves to get paid. He has been the Panthers' best defensive player for most of the season. And if he does earn a hefty contract extension, it arguably may not be from the Panthers. 

The two sides haven't come close to an extension. Burns was expecting a contract in the Nick Bosa range and the franchise was thinking of a contract in the Maxx Crosby range. 

What the results may produce is Burns, if he isn't tagged, leaving the franchise for next to nothing. 

Brian Burns places contract talks on ‘hold’; focusing on his play on the field instead

Carolina Panthers star Brian Burns is putting his contract talks on hold to focus on his play on the field.