'All Options Are On the Table' for Brian Burns as Franchise Tag Deadline Nears

Contract talks continue in Indianapolis.

Brian Burns is one of the key cogs on the Carolina Panthers' defense, but he enters the offseason without a new contract and an uncertain future.

Contract negotiations between the team and his representation have be ongoing for nearly two years, but the two haven't come close to reaching a deal. With Dan Morgan now in the GM seat and Brandt Tilis as the Executive VP of Football Ops, it does open the door for something to get done with a fresh perspective of sorts. 

During his media availability at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Morgan provided an update on where things stand.

"We're still working through those conversations. We're actually meeting with his agent, Todd France, within the next couple days. We'll have a little more clarity on the situation after that but we're working on it. I think right now, all options are on the table. What those options are... I'll find out. I'll have more clarity on that after I meet with the agent."

The deadline to apply the franchise tag is Tuesday, March 5th at 4 p.m. EST. Morgan was asked if they would use the tag if it came down to it. 

"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."

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