‘Hard Knocks’ reveals the surprising way Brian Burns trade talks started

When the Carolina Panthers traded star edge rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants, it proved the team was moving in a different direction.

Carolina had franchise-tagged Burns, who suffered a down 2023 season. It was believed both sides would play out the year-long tag and reassess the contract situation in 2025. That wasn't the case.

Dan Morgan, the Panthers' general manager, traded Burns to New York for 2024 second and fifth-round selections (Nos. 39 and 141 overall) and a 2025 conditional fifth-rounder in the trade. However, the lead-up to the deal didn't have any backrooms or smoke-filled mob bosses, the two sides of the deal had a far more casual conversation.

“You guys want to move up to fix from [No.] 33? No? Just checking.” Giants general manager Joe Schoen said to Morgan, who replied, “If I’m going anywhere, it’s going back.”

Shortly after Schoen quipped to Beane about the Bills being unable to afford a top-10 pick in the NFL draft, Morgan floated the asking price for Burns.

“You wanna give us two ones for Burns?” Morgan said which elicited an “oooh” from Schoen.

“No, I mean yes but…” Schoen responded.

“Or a one and… something?” Morgan replied.

"OK," Schoen said. "You're headed in the right direction."

A month later, the deal was made.

Burns, 26, produced 46.0 sacks, 95 QB hits, 59 tackles for loss, eight forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in five seasons with Carolina.

“Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

Related: Brian Burns trade is the first step toward fixing Bryce Young and the Panthers