Report: Panthers, Burns break off contract talks

The Carolina Panthers have broken off contract talks with edge rusher Brian Burns, a source told Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.

General manager Dan Morgan said Tuesday that he'd meet with Burns' agent at the NFL combine in Indianapolis to discuss a long-term pact, per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. He also said the Panthers will use the franchise tag if they have to.

The franchise-tag deadline is March 5.

Burns had his lowest sack total since his rookie year in 2023 (eight) but still finished second on the team in pressures with 40, according to PFF. The 25-year-old has been highly productive since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2019, totaling 46 sacks and 246 tackles in 80 career games.

Carolina currently has $36.1 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.