Report: Panthers rejected trade offer of multiple 1st-round picks for Burns

The Carolina Panthers declined an offer of two first-round picks for pass-rusher Brian Burns, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Carolina informed the offering team that it's not willing to part with Burns, who is currently in his fourth season with the club. The Panthers picked up the 24-year-old's $16-million fifth-year option for the 2023 season.

Burns is expected to be on the cusp of landing a massive extension with the Panthers. He's among a group of pass-rushers that include the San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa and Denver Broncos' Bradley Chubb that could reshape the market at their position.

The Florida State product has racked up nine sacks in each of his past two seasons. He's tallied 24 tackles, six tackles for loss, and four sacks through six games this year.

The Panthers informed teams that they're also not willing to field offers for wideout D.J. Moore, defensive lineman Derrick Brown, or cornerback Jaycee Horn prior to the Nov. 1 trade deadline. Carolina considers them foundational pieces to the franchise going forward.

However, Carolina is willing to field offers for linebacker Shaq Thompson and other players on the roster, Schefter adds.

The Panthers appear to be in the middle of a rebuild just weeks after firing head coach Matt Rhule and naming Steve Wilks the interim coach. However, general manager Scott Fitterer insists the team isn't tanking the remainder of the season.

Carolina recently dealt star running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers for multiple mid-round picks in the 2023 draft and a fifth-round selection in 2024. The Panthers also sent receiver Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the week.