Brian Burns can do great things for the Arizona Cardinals pass rush

The Pro Bowl edge-rusher would do wonders for an Arizona Cardinals defense that is struggling to get to the opposing quarterback. 

Throughout the offseason, those who follow the Arizona Cardinals were calling for the team to upgrade it’s pass rush. General manager Steve Keim pretty much ignored the cries of the fans, leaving the squad with a group of edge-rushers who have struggled to generate quarterback sacks.

Fortunately, there’s still time for Keim to address the issue. And if a trade can be made, there’s a phenomenal sack-specialist who would look absolutely fantastic in a Cardinals uniform.

Brian Burns, a former first-round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers, will be one of the most talked-about trade targets over the next couple of weeks. It begs the question, would the Panthers even listen to offers for the 24-year old Burns? And if they do, will Arizona be included in what could be a long line of interested suitors?

The Cards entered the season with a contingent of outside linebackers that includes Markus Golden, Devon Kennard, Dennis Gardeck, Victor Dimukeje, Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders. Through five games, Gardeck is the only one of those six to record a sack for the Redbirds. For that reason alone, Keim should certainly be in aggressive pursuit of the 6 foot 5, 250 pound Burns.

Brian Burns would improve unproductive Arizona Cardinals pass rush 

Carolina selected Burns with the 16th-overall choice of the 2019 NFL Draft. The rookie made an impact right away, racking up 25 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 16 appearances (five starts) for the Panthers. In Week 5, Burns returned a fumble 56 yards for a touchdown during a 34-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Burns was even better during his sophomore campaign in 2020, when he registered 58 tackles, nine sacks and four passes defensed in 15 contests (14 starts). Last season, the former Florida State Seminole was credited with 50 tackles, four pass breakups and another nine sacks in 17 matchups (16 starts) for Carolina.

The outstanding play has continued for Burns thus far in 2022. Through five weeks, the talented defender has recorded 21 tackles, four sacks and six quarterback hits for what’s been a stout Panthers defensive unit.

There has been some debate about whether Carolina’s hierarchy would part ways with a special player like Burns. After all, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native is under contract through the 2023-24 season. Why would the Panthers consider trading a stud performer like Burns?

This past Monday, Carolina fired head coach Matt Rhule following the club’s ugly 1-4 start. The organization will basically be starting over in the offseason, and it may be a couple of years before the rebuilding Panthers can get back to the playoffs. Why not get some valuable compensation for Burns now, while his market value is through the roof?

Burns would do wonders for a Cardinals defense that could desperately use his pass-rushing ability. Keim has done quite well with the deals he has orchestrated for the likes of Carson Palmer, Chandler Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Zach Ertz and Marquise Brown. It’s time for Arizona’s GM to add Burns to what is already an impressive list of trade acquisitions.

(Statistics provided by Pro Football Reference)