Initially, Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers' two-time Pro Bowler, didn't want to hold out. 

He showed up to training camp and participated in the preseason, but as Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons looms, Burns has yet to balk at his desire for a new contract upwards of $30 million per year. 

And recently, Panthers head coach Frank Reich explained that he can't be too concerned over contract negotiations. Instead, he is focusing on getting the Panthers ready to play Week 1 with or without Burns. 

“It’s hard,” Reich said. “It’s hard. Like I can say—and both of these things can be true—I can say I love and respect Brian Burns and he’s gotta do what he’s gotta do. But does it make it harder? Yeah, it makes it harder. I mean, that’s just the facts. I’m sure he understands that. And you can’t find more of a team guy than him.

“Life is complicated sometimes. It’s complicated. So, we just keep movin’ forward day by day.”

Burns is in a situation best described as a rock and a hard place. He participated in preseason activities hoping that a deal would be worked out in the background. However, as the regular season neared and a contract extension was still nowhere to be found, he started a "hold-in," attempting to exercise leverage in a situation where he is the best pass rusher the Panthers currently have on the roster. 

However, the timing of the contract dispute only makes life complicated for the Panthers, who already have several new pieces to incorporate early in the 2023 season. 

“I’m at the stage in this where I’m not involved in the contract negotiation. At all. Zero,” he added. “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.”

Wednesday is a monumental day for Burns. It is the start of the Panthers turning toward the Falcons in Week 1, and for the gifted pass rusher, it also means another step to possibly — or possibly not — playing to start the regular season. 

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Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports