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

If you were looking for an inside glimpse as to how NFL trade discussions unfold, look no further than Tuesday’s episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants.”

In a clip released ahead of the season premiere, Giants general manager Joe Schoen is seen chopping it up with his former boss, Bills general manager Brandon Beane, while also speaking with the Panthers’ president of football operations and general manager, Dan Morgan, with the conversation sewing the seeds to the Giants’ eventual acquisition of star pash rusher Brian Burns from Carolina.

“You guys want to move up to fix from [No.] 33? No? Just checking.” 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 nonchalantly, which elicited an “oooh” from Schoen.

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

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

Schoen responded, “You’re heading in the right direction.”

More follow-up conversations likely continued from there before a deal to acquire the 26-year-old Burns was finalized in March.

The Giants ultimately sent Carolina a 2024 second-round pick (No. 39 overall) and a 2025 fifth-rounder for the two-time Pro Bowler.

The Giants subsequently signed Burns to a five-year contract worth $150 million.

Burns had 12.5 sacks in 2022 and eight in 2023.

Upon arriving in New York, Burns said he intends to pay it forward by mentoring former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is looking to build upon his 11.5 sacks in year two.

Burns was graded the 31st best pass rusher in the NFL last year according to Pro Football Focus while Thibodeaux came in at 92nd.

Beyond the Burns trade, this offseason installment of “Hard Knocks” will also explore running back Saquon Barkley’s Giants exit in free agency for the rival Eagles.

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