Burns Contract Talks 'On Hold'; What is His Current Value?

From now until the end of the season, Carolina Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns is focused on one thing...football.

Months of contract negotiations between the Carolina Panthers and outside linebacker Brian Burns have come to a screeching halt. Talks between the two sides went through the whole week leading up to the season opener in Atlanta at and one point, Burns considered not playing in the game. 

Now, it's all about football.

"I would probably say it's on hold," Burns said about the negotiations. "We haven't really been in talks because I told them once the season starts, I'm all about ball. I can't give 1000% on the field and to my teammates if I'm still worried about contract negotiations and whatnot. I feel like I owe that to them to be 1000% bought in at all times because, at any point, something bad can happen."

With talks on hold, Burns now has his complete focus on playing and achieving his goals. He did note, however, that "if it made sense" he and his team would kickstart the talks again mid-season. In all likelihood, this gets pushed into the offseason, if he is still here.

"I haven't thought about it too deeply," Burns said when asked if he fears getting traded mid-season. "If that's my story, that's my story. I can't really control that."

Nick Bosa's new deal with the 49ers is worth $34 million AAV (average annual value). Burns could be setting the price tag in the high 20s or potentially even $30 million plus while the Panthers are sitting in the low 20s.

Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac tells All Panthers what he believes Burns' next contract is worth at this moment.

"Brian Burns' value didn't change too much with the Bosa numbers (he just doesn't have the resume to live in the top tier, according to the math). He projects to a 5-year, $117M in our system currently."

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