Could Chargers Entertain Landing 2-Time Pro-Bowl Defensive Star Amid Problems With Current Team?

Will Los Angeles go big-game hunting this offseason?

As the Los Angeles Chargers navigate the offseason, they have a lot of work to do in improving the team. They finished 5-12 last season, meaning that they have multiple areas to fill the gaps on.

With new head coach Jim Harbaugh, two things can be sure about how the team will look next year. They will have a solid running game and will attempt to build a stout defense.

Harbaugh is a big believer in winning games in the trench, so the Bolts will look to make it a reality. On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers have some Pro-Bowl-level talents, but they could be looking to add even more.

This could come in the form of free agency, a trade or even the NFL Draft. One name that could be of interest to the Botlts is defensive edge rusher, Brian Burns. Burns has spent his career with the Carolina Panthers, but will now be looking for a new home.

According to NFL Insider Josina Anderson, the Panthers have informed Burns that they won't be continuing talks on an extension with him. This leaves him eligible to talk with any team he wants as an unrestricted free agent. 

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

Burns could lineup alongside Joey Bosa, giving the Bolts a lethal two-headed attack on defense. There has been some talk about the Chargers looking to move away from veteran Khalil Mack, and Burns could be a great replacement. 

He is a two-time Pro-Bowler, who has emerged in recent years. Burns played in 16 games last season for Carolina, putting up eight sacks and 50 tackles. His ability to get off the field to impact the backfield is impressive, and the Bolts may be interested.

It would take some creative cap maneuvering to land Burns, but we've seen stranger things happen within the NFL. If the Bolts want Burns, they will find a way to make things happen with him.