Panthers place non-exclusive franchise tag on OLB Brian Burns, who is set to make $24M this season

Updated Mar. 5, 2024 11:20 a.m. ET

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns before Tuesday's deadline.

The 25-year-old Burns would make $24 million in 2024 under the tag if he doesn’t sign a contract extension before the July 15 deadline.

Under the non-exclusive tag, Burns can negotiate with other teams. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Panthers would have the right to match that offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if they don't.

Burns has 46 sacks during his five seasons with the Panthers, including eight last season. The former first-round draft pick's numbers were negatively impacted by the fact the Panthers never held a lead at any point in the fourth quarter last season, preventing him from taking advantage of obvious pass rushing situations. Both of Carolina's wins last season came on walk-off field goals.

The only player in Panthers franchise history with more sacks than Burns in the first five seasons is recent Hall of Famer Julius Peppers, who had 52 1/2 from 2002-06.

This is the first time the Panthers have used the franchise tag since 2021 when they tagged offensive tackle Taylor Moton before eventually signing him to a long-term deal.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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