Brian Burns ‘extra-motivated’ for game against team that traded him away

New York Giants edge defender Brian Burns admitted on Friday that he is “a little extra-motivated” for Sunday morning’s game against the Carolina Panthers, a team he spent five seasons with before being traded to the Giants this past offseason.

“I spent five years there and I know a lot of guys there, whatever the case may be,” Burns said. “But, I’m blessed to be where I am now. I’m happy to be where I am now and I’m looking to get a win.”

A two-time Pro Bowler with Carolina after being the 16th overall pick by the Panthers in the 2019 NFL Draft, Burns is having arguably his best season.

Burns has 5.0 sacks in nine games. He would end the season with 9.0 at that pace for the third time in his career. Burns’ career-best in sacks was 12.5 during a Pro Bowl 2022 season.

Many of Burns’ other numbers, though, show him on pace for career highs.

• Burns already has a career-best seven passes defensed.
• Burns is on pace for a career-high 68 tackles.
• His current Pro Football Focus overall grade of 81.2 is above 80.0 for the first time in his career.
• Burns’ 6.1% missed tackle rate is a career-best.

Beyond the numbers, Burns — along with Dexter Lawrence — has emerged as a leader in the Giants’ locker room. Burns has led not only with his words, but by continuing to play — and play well — while fighting through a number of injuries.

The one thing Burns has never experienced in his NFL career, and almost certainly won’t this season with the Giants at 2-7, is being part of a team with a winning record.

Burns was asked on Friday about staying motivated during a difficult season.

“Honestly, just from within,” he said. “And also because of the guys next to me. I don’t want to put them in harm’s way because I’m not doing my job or do anything to let them down in any kind of way. So, I would say those are the main things that keep me motivated through a tough season.”

Burns or McKinney?

With only enough financial resources for one big splash on defense during the offseason, the Giants chose trading for Burns, a premium pass rusher, over re-signing Xavier McKinney, a quality safety. GM Joe Schoen chose the commonly-accepted path of prioritizing pass rush over safety play.

The Giants gave up a second-round pick and two fifth-round picks for Burns, and got a fifth-round pick they used to select running back Tyrone Tracy in return. They signed Burns to a five-year, $141 million contract with $87.5 million guaranteed.

McKinney is having a career-season with the Green Bay Packers. He has a career-high six interceptions and a career-best 42.4 passer rating against.

Did the Giants do the right thing in choosing Burns over McKinney? Vote in the poll.