In the proposed blockbuster “Tag-to-Trade,” Lions Land Star Over.

The Detroit Lions will likely need to add a pass rusher to next year’s roster to win a championship. Fansided’s Brad Berreman argued the Lions should consider all possibilities in adding an edge rusher. That includes a potential unusual trade with the Carolina Panthers for Brian Burns.

Berreman suggested the Lions trade for Burns after the Panthers place the franchise tag on the defensive end this offseason.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on November 4 that the Panthers turned down trade offers for Burns. But if Carolina began entertaining offers now, Berreman proposed the Lions send their No. 29 overall pick for Burns.

“The Panthers possibly tagging and trading Burns might widen the list of teams who could enter the mix to get him; even it may only be a one-year rental,” wrote Berreman.

“The Lions are armed with ample cap space, and their late-first round pick would be easy to part with if it meant getting Burns. In terms of giving up that first-round pick for an edge rusher in a trade scenario, maybe it’d be him or no one.”

Berreman linked the Lions to Burns after Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote on February 14 that Burns “could be” a “tag-to-trade candidate.”

On February 19, The Athletic’s Randy Mueller named Burns the best available edge rusher in NFL free agency. Mueller also rated Burns the top overall player potentially available in free agency this offseason.

Burns is listed as the second-best edge rusher available in this year’s free agency class by Pro Football Focus and USA Today. In terms of available edge rushers, Pro Football Network ranked Burns second only to Josh Allen.

Is Brian Burns the Best Edge Rusher Available This Offseason?
It’s like splitting hairs to suggest that Burns and Allen are the greatest edge rushers available in free agency. Due to Burns’ “age, athletic ability, and all-around game,” Mueller favors him.

“His production was limited somewhat by the Panthers’ scheme, but his suddenness and pass rush package should translate to higher-volume production,” Mueller wrote. “Offenses must have a plan to deal with his ability each week.”

Due to his meager output, Burns—who turns 26 in April—didn’t make the Pro Bowl in 2023. Even so, he managed eight sacks, sixteen tackles for loss, and eighteen quarterback hits.

During his first five NFL seasons, Burns recorded at least 7.5 sacks. In2022, he tallied 12.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 22 receiver hits.

If he were teamed with another outstanding edge rusher on a defense, he could be much more effective.

Although PFF and USA Today had Allen ranked ahead of Burns on their list of best available edge rushers, both publications still had Burns rated as one of the top 5 free agents this offseason.