Potential Cardinals Target Set to Hit Free Agency

The Carolina Panthers aren't bringing back Brian Burns, which could clear the way for the Arizona Cardinals.

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals will be in search of help on the defensive side of the ball over the next few months - particularly in terms of getting to the quarterback. 

With Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck and BJ Ojulari operating as Arizona's top edge players, the Cardinals are favored by many to address the position in either free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.

Perhaps Carolina Panthers OLB Brian Burns can be of some assistance. 

Burns - considered one of the top edge guys and overall defensive players hitting the open market - was set to potentially be franchise tagged by Carolina.

CBS Sports' NFL insider Josina Anderson says the team is stopping contract talks with the 25-year-old.

"I’m told the Panthers informed Brian Burns during the Combine this past week that they aren’t continuing contract talks—at this time, per source."

I’m told the #Panthers informed Brian Burns during the Combine this past week that they aren’t continuing contract talks—at this time, per source. pic.twitter.com/8xArkbTBeQ

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 3, 2024

The deadline for NFL teams to use the franchise tag is Tuesday, March 5. 

This is indeed a turn of events, as Panthers GM Dan Morgan previously spoke with reporters at the NFL Combine and said he believed Carolina would use the tag on Burns. 

"Yeah, I think we would use it. We would definitely use it if we had to use it. We love Brian. Brian's a Panther. Somebody that I know and that I'm close to. I played with his brother. I definitely love Brian, but all options are on the table for him."

Burns' franchise tag price would have been $23 million. Spotrac has Burns' market value estimated at $21.7 million. 

The Cardinals have $56.8 million in cap space according to OverTheCap.