Analyzing potential trade scenarios between KC Chiefs and Panthers

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 09: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 09: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /
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Oct 9, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) in his stance during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) in his stance during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Brian Burns, DL

It’s easier to start with what is wrong with this scenario than what is right.

Brian Burns is perhaps a bit slighter than what an anchor of a defensive end might look like in Steve Spagnuolo’s ideal defense. And for the cost it would take to get Burns, the Chiefs should be aiming for a prototype. There, now we’re done.

If you’ve somehow missed out on Brian Burns’ contributions so far in the NFL, you should just know that Burns is a durable pass rusher coming into his own who is likely going to grow into a top 10 NFL pass rusher at some point in the very near future. His career low in sacks is 7.5, which came in his rookie season, and he’s already got 4 in 5 games this year for the Panthers. Beyond that, Burns is only 24 years old and profiles a burst not unlike Dee Ford with the instant impact and durability that Ford never had.

George Karlaftis is in place as a solid defensive end who will set a high floor on one side of the defensive front. The Chiefs lack a long-term fit on the other side and there’s every reason to believe Burns will average double-digit sacks for the next few seasons. You pay through the nose for a guy like that without hesitation.

That said, the Panthers fired their head coach but they didn’t also rid themselves of all common sense. Any general manager is going to know that Burns is a long-term asset to keep around if at all possible. If Burns’ agent seems amenable to staying around for a rebuild, the Panthers would be very wise to do sign him up. If they somehow dangle him, even for a mammoth cost, it’s worth the move.

Position Fit: High
Chance of Happening:  Very Low (Unfortunately)