NFL links superstar pass-rusher to Commanders in free agency

The Washington Commanders amassed a grand total of 39 sacks this past season, and that was with Chase Young and Montez Sweat playing half the year there before being dealt at the trade deadline.

With Young and Sweat now gone, the Commanders are in even more dire need of a pass-rushing presence, and with Washington having plenty of cap room heading into free agency, the team figures to spend considerable time—and resources—addressing the issue.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports sees the Commanders landing one of the best edge rushers in football: Carolina Panthers star Brian Burns.

Burns is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he played 16 games and registered 50 tackles, eight sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The 25-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Florida State, was selected by the Panthers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

He appeared in every contest during his rookie year and was impressive, finishing with 25 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown.

Then, the following year, Burns broke out, recording 58 tackles, nine sacks and three forced fumbles. He went on to post similar numbers in 2021, tallying 50 tackles, nine sacks and a couple of forced fumbles, but this time, it led to a Pro Bowl appearance.

He then proceeded to enjoy the best year of his career to date in 2022, racking up 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks and a forced fumble and earning his second straight Pro Bowl nod in the process.

There were rumors Carolina was going to trade Burns at the deadline back in October, but it rebuffed all offers and opted to hold on to him.

The Panthers could always slap a franchise tag on Burns, but it would be costly.

We’ll see if the Commanders make a play for Burns in the coming weeks.