Over the last four seasons, Brian Burns has solidified his position as one of the NFL's premier pass rushers. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Carolina Panthers outside linebacker is looking for a deal that reflects his value.

Burns confirmed his desire for an extension, acknowledging ongoing discussions with the Panthers. He is scheduled to earn $16 million this season, but his performance warrants a significant raise. With 38 sacks over four years, Burns ranks 11th in the league during that span, a testament to his consistent production.

While he likely won't command a contract comparable to T.J. Watt's record-setting deal, Burns' upward trajectory is undeniable. At just 25 years old, he delivered a 12.5-sack performance in 2022 despite facing constant double-teams and playing on a struggling team, which limited his opportunities. He's never played for a winning team in his NFL career.

In the upcoming season, Burns will transition from defensive end to outside linebacker in coordinator Ejiro Evero's new 3-4 scheme. This change could offer him more advantageous matchups against opposing quarterbacks. Burns has publicly set a personal goal of 10 sacks in the first 10 games, a first for him. This reflects a new approach as he also switches his jersey number from 53 to 0.

Despite missing recent offseason activities due to ankle surgery, Burns is expected to be fully recovered for training camp. In the meantime, he has been mentoring younger teammates, demonstrating his leadership qualities. Head coach Frank Reich praised Burns' dedication and expects him to be a key player and leader on the field. Reich also noted that Burns' role might not change drastically despite the position switch, given his versatility and experience dropping into coverage in previous seasons.

Burns reiterated his desire to stay with the Panthers, the team that drafted him in 2019. While he anticipates a long-term contract, he maintains a patient approach, focusing on the present. He expressed gratitude for being considered among the league's top pass rushers and embraces the ongoing process.

Regarding other team news, safety Vonn Bell and rookie guard Chandler Zavala were sidelined during minicamp due to recent injuries. However, coach Reich expects cornerback Donte Jackson, who suffered an Achilles tear last year, to be ready for training camp.