New York, NY — The New York Giants have bolstered their defensive lineup with a notable addition: Brian Burns. Burns, who previously made his mark with the Carolina Panthers, is now set to don the Giants' blue and white. His arrival is seen as a strategic move to enhance a defense that struggled last season, finishing 29th in total defense and 22nd in scoring.
A Prolific Pass-Rusher
Burns joins the Giants with an impressive resume. Over his five seasons with the Panthers, Burns consistently demonstrated his pass-rushing prowess, achieving no less than 7.5 sacks each year. Last season alone, he recorded 40 pressures, 8.0 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and an 11.1% pressure rate, numbers that reflect his relentless pursuit of the quarterback.
Since his debut in the NFL in 2019, Burns has accumulated 59 tackles for loss, ranking sixth in the league during this period. His ability to disrupt the backfield makes him a valuable asset for the Giants, who have been looking to revamp their defense.
A New Beginning
Burns’ transition to the Giants was facilitated through a strategic trade involving a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. At just 25 years old, Burns is viewed as a player entering his prime, a sentiment he echoed himself. "I really don't feel like I tapped into my ceiling. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. I feel like I'm really entering my prime, honestly. I feel like there's so much more I can get better at. There's so much more I can improve on. Those numbers are gonna skyrocket once I do," Burns stated confidently.
To secure his talents, the Giants inked Burns to a substantial five-year, $150 million deal, signaling their commitment to building a formidable defensive unit.
A Focused Role
One of the appealing aspects for Burns in joining the Giants is the opportunity to focus more on pass-rushing, his specialty. "It allows me to continue to attack the quarterback," he explained, emphasizing his relief at not having to drop back into coverage as frequently. "Not going backwards, not going into coverage as much. The main thing is we're going after the quarterback and we're embracing it."
The Giants had the highest blitz and man coverage rates in the NFL last season, yet they struggled to sustain pressure, finishing with a 31.7% pressure rate. The addition of Burns, alongside young talents like Kayvon Thibodeaux, 23, and Dexter Lawrence, 26, is expected to create a more cohesive and threatening pass-rushing unit.
A New Defensive Leadership
The arrival of Burns coincides with another change in the Giants' defense — the hiring of Shane Bowen as the new defensive coordinator. Bowen's task will be to integrate Burns into a system that can maximize his strengths while addressing the shortcomings that plagued the Giants’ defense last season. The synergy between Burns’ attacking style and Bowen’s strategic vision could be the catalyst for a defensive turnaround.
As Burns steps onto the field in East Rutherford, Giants fans have reason to be optimistic. His track record speaks volumes, and his statements suggest a player who is both motivated and poised to elevate his game. For a team desperate to climb out of the defensive doldrums, Brian Burns might just be the spark they've been searching for.