Lions Secure Top Pass Rusher in Proposed ‘Tag-to-Trade’ Mega Deal
The Detroit Lions are expected to bolster their pass rush in pursuit of a championship next season. Brad Berreman of Fansided suggests exploring all avenues to acquire an edge rusher, including a potential unconventional trade with the Carolina Panthers for Brian Burns.
Berreman proposes that the Lions pursue Burns after the Panthers utilize the franchise tag on him this offseason. While ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously reported that the Panthers rebuffed trade offers for Burns, Berreman believes the situation could change. He suggests offering the Lions’ No. 29 overall pick for Burns, especially if Carolina begins considering trade offers.
Berreman notes that the possibility of the Panthers tagging and trading Burns could attract more teams to pursue him, even if it results in just a one-year rental. With ample cap space and a late-first-round pick, the Lions could be willing to part with their first-round selection to secure Burns. Berreman implies that the Lions might prioritize acquiring Burns over other potential trade targets.
Berreman’s speculation about the Lions’ interest in Burns aligns with Albert Breer’s suggestion in Sports Illustrated that Burns could be a “tag-to-trade candidate.” Furthermore, Randy Mueller of The Athletic identifies Burns as the premier edge rusher available in NFL free agency, rating him as the top overall player potentially on the market this offseason.
According to rankings from Pro Football Focus, USA Today, and Pro Football Network, Burns is regarded as one of the top edge rushers in this year’s free agency class, with varying opinions placing him either first or second behind Josh Allen.
