The New York Giants' training camp is abuzz with the arrival of their new defensive stalwart, Brian Burns. The 25-year-old pass rusher brings an impressive resume from his tenure with the Carolina Panthers, signaling a significant boost for the Giants' defense.
Brian Burns: Entering His Prime
Burns, who has consistently recorded at least 7.5 sacks in each of his five seasons with the Panthers, believes that he is stepping into the prime years of his career. "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 expressed with confidence.
Last season, Burns was a dominant force on the field, recording 40 pressures, 8.0 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and an 11.1% pressure rate. His ability to disrupt offenses has been evident since he entered the NFL in 2019, racking up a noteworthy 59 tackles for loss, ranking him sixth in the league over that span.
A Key Acquisition
The Giants acquired Burns through a trade that involved a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. This noteworthy transaction underscores how much the Giants value Burns' potential contribution. Additionally, they have committed to him financially, signing him to a lucrative five-year, $150 million deal, reflecting their belief in his ability to fortify their defense.
Fitting Into the Giants' Defense
Burns will join a pass-rushing unit that already features promising young talent in Kayvon Thibodeaux, 23, and Dexter Lawrence, 26. His presence is expected to significantly bolster a Giants defense that struggled last season, finishing 29th in total defense and 22nd in scoring. The team's aggressive defensive strategy was evident with the highest blitz and man coverage rates in the NFL last season.
With Shane Bowen recently appointed as the Giants' new defensive coordinator, there's hope that Burns' addition will trigger a defensive renaissance. Bowen's approach will likely leverage Burns' strengths, allowing him to focus on pressuring the quarterbackâa role Burns eagerly embraces. "It allows me to continue to attack the quarterback," Burns shared, 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."
Looking Ahead
Last season, the Giants recorded a pressure rate of 31.7%, a figure they aim to improve significantly with Burns in the lineup. As Burns vividly described, he feels he is just beginning to realize his full potential. His arrival energizes a defensive unit eager to rebound from a challenging season and make a significant impact on the field.
Burns' blend of youth and experience, coupled with his demonstrable knack for pressuring the quarterback, positions him as a leading figure within the Giants' defensive scheme. His journey in New York promises to be one to watch, as both his performance and the team's overall defensive metrics could see substantial improvements with his influence.
In conclusion, as the Giants gear up for the upcoming season, the addition of Brian Burns could be the catalyst required to transform their defense from struggling to formidable. His competence and proven track record suggest brighter days ahead for the Giants faithful.