Brian Burns is an American professional linebacker, playing for the New York Giants of the National Football League as of 2024. He started his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers and played for five seasons before moving on to the Giants. He was drafted by the Panthers in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft. He is one of the best defensive players in the league and is a two-time pro bowler in just five NFL seasons that he has played in. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, Burns attended Florida State from 2016-2018. He immediately made an impact as a freshman as he led all freshmen in the country with 8.5 sacks. Before college, Burns attended American Heritage High School and was a consensus five-star recruit by the time he was done.
In 2021, Burns earned his first pro-bowl nod as he had 50 combined tackles, 18 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, and 9.0 sacks. The following year, in 2022, Burns had the best season of his career where he racked up 12.5 sacks, 63 combined tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits. He finished the 2022 season by being top 10 in franchise history for both tackles for loss and sacks.
Brian Burns’ Contract Breakdown
Burns signed a new five-year $141 million contract with the New York Giants. The contract also includes a total guaranteed money of $87,500,000, a $35,000,000 signing bonus, and an average annual salary of $28,200,000.
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Proration | Roster Bonus | Workout Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
| 2024 | $8,000,000 | $7,000,000 | - | $500,000 | $15,500,000 | $76,000,000 |
| 2025 | $22,250,000 | $7,000,000 | - | $500,000 | $29,750,000 | $61,000,000 |
| 2026 | $22,250,000 | $7,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $500,000 | $30,750,000 | $31,750,000 |
| 2027 | $21,500,000 | $7,000,000 | $2,500,000 | $500,000 | $32,500,000 | $14,000,000 |
| 2028 | $21,500,000 | $7,000,000 | $2,500,000 | $500,000 | $32,500,000 | $7,000,000 |
Brian Burns’ Salary
In 2024, his earnings will comprise a base salary of $8 million, a $35 million signing bonus, and a $500,000 workout bonus, bringing his total cap hit for the year to $15.5 million. Burns' salary and bonuses make him one of the highest-paid defensive ends in the league. Brian Burns signed a 5-year, $141 million contract with the New York Giants, which includes an average annual salary of $28.2 million.
Brian Burns’ Contract Terms
Burns signed a massive contract with the New York Giants but it also comes with a few terms and they are
- $76M guaranteed at signing (signing bonus + 2024 salary + 2025 salary + $10.75M of 2026 salary)
- An additional $11.5M of 2026 salary fully guarantees the 5th league day of 2025
- 2027 Roster Bonus: $2.5M (5th league day)
- 2028 Roster Bonus: $2.5M (5th league day)
- 2026-2028 Per Game Active Bonus: $58,824 ($1M)
Brian Burns’ Guaranteed Contract
Brian Burns' contract includes $87.5 million in total guaranteed money, with $76 million guaranteed at signing. This guarantee covers his signing bonus, 2024 salary, 2025 salary, and $10.75 million of his 2026 salary. Additional guarantees include $11.5 million of his 2026 salary if he remains on the roster in 2025.
Brian Burns’ Contract History
- In 2019, Burns signed a 4-year rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers worth $13.5 million, which included a $7.87 million signing bonus and total guarantees.
- In 2024, he was placed under a 1-year franchise tag with the Panthers worth $24.01 million.
- Later in 2024, Burns signed a 5-year extension with the New York Giants valued at $141 million, including a $35 million signing bonus and $76 million guaranteed at signing.
| Year | Team | Contract Type | Contract Length | Total Contract Value | Signing Bonus | Guaranteed at Signing | Average Annual Salary |
| 2019-2023 | Carolina Panthers | Rookie Contract | 4 years | $13,540,182 | $7,867,404 | $13,540,182 | $3,385,046 |
| 2023-2024 | Carolina Panthers | Franchise Tag | 1 year | $24,007,000 | N/A | N/A | $24,007,000 |
| 2024-2029 | New York Giants | Contract Extension | 5 years | $141,000,000 | $35,000,000 | $76,000,000 | $28,200,000 |
;'/></svg>)
FAQ's on Brian Burns’ Contract
A. The Giants acquired Brian Burns in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in March of 2024.
A. The Giants sent a second-round pick (39th overall) and a 2025 fifth-round pick but receiver Brian Burns from the Panthers.
A. Brian Burns is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States.
A. Brian Burns is 6 feet 5 inches tall.
