Giants hit with brutal news that will test a position they expected to be one of their strengths
Edge defender Brian Burns is believed to have suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Giants’ Week 3 win over the Titans.
The New York Giants had a tough break, and it will test their depth at a position that was supposed to be a strength in 2026. ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported Monday morning that edge defender Brian Burns is believed to have torn his ACL during the Giants’ win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Burns entered the game with an ankle injury, but now he hurt his knee and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Burns is a significant loss for the Giants’ defense. He signed a four-year, $141 million extension when New York acquired him from the Carolina Panthers in 2024 and is making $25.55 million this year. He will also make $25.5 million over the next two seasons. The Giants do have a potential out option on his contract next offseason, but cutting Burns does not make sense. He remains a big part of the long-term plans in New York, especially because Kayvon Thibodeaux is playing on an expiring deal.
What the Giants have left at edge defender
New York still has a strong starting duo in Abdul Carter and Thibodeaux, but the depth behind them is a serious concern. Carter and Thibodeaux are now the only outside linebackers on the 53-man roster. Arvell Reese could be used there in a pinch, but he has been deployed mostly as an off-ball linebacker. Trace Ford is on the practice squad and will probably be elevated or promoted to the active roster.
Through the first three weeks of the season, Burns was tied for second on the team with four pressures created, right behind Carter with five. Thibodeaux also had four, and Chauncey Goldston, officially listed as a defensive tackle, also had four. Goldston has actually played more as an edge defender so far this season, logging 26 snaps on the outside, 51 over the tackle, and 24 on the B-gap. Moving Goldston to the edge on a more consistent basis could be an internal option while the Giants address the situation.
The lack of quality alternatives could force the Giants to make a move. Thibodeaux was even included in trade rumors throughout the offseason precisely because the Giants had Burns and Carter as the primary rotation options. Without Burns, that depth is badly stressed at one of the most valuable positions on the field.
Free agent options on the market
Adding a veteran difference-maker at this point in the season is difficult, but several names are available. The top options on the open market include Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa (who is without a team and may not return at all), Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Denico Autry. The Giants could also look at players on other teams’ practice squads, though none of those options would replicate the production of one of the premier pass rushers in football.
Burns being out for the season is a massive blow for a Giants team that badly needs high-end talent on defense. The front office now faces a decision about whether to pursue outside help or trust the internal options to hold the position together for the final 14 games.
