Over the last four seasons, Brian Burns has solidified his position as one of the NFL's most impactful pass rushers. Now, the Carolina Panthers outside linebacker is looking for a contract that reflects his value. When questioned about his desire for a pay raise, Burns responded with a chuckle and a straightforward "Yeah."

Currently in the final year of his rookie contract, Burns is slated to earn $16 million. The Panthers are keen to secure him with a long-term extension, but the timing remains uncertain. Burns confirmed ongoing discussions with the team but remained tight-lipped about the details.

With 38 sacks under his belt since joining the league, Burns ranks 11th in the NFL over that period. While this impressive figure trails T.J. Watt's record-setting 57.5 sacks, which led to a substantial $112 million contract in 2021, Burns's upward trajectory is undeniable.

At just 25 years old, Burns is coming off a strong 2022 season with 12.5 sacks, achieved despite frequent double-teaming and playing for a team that often trailed, limiting his prime pass-rushing opportunities. He has yet to experience a winning season in his NFL career.

Under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's 3-4 scheme, Burns will transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, a move that could offer more strategic opportunities to pressure quarterbacks. He has publicly set a personal goal of at least 10 sacks in the first 10 games. This is a departure from his previous approach, and he acknowledges that "there's a lot of new stuff going on here," also referencing his jersey number change from 53 to 0.

Following offseason ankle surgery, Burns is eager to return to the field after missing OTAs and minicamp. A full recovery is anticipated for the start of training camp. In the meantime, he has embraced a mentorship role, guiding the team's younger pass rushers.

Coach Frank Reich praised Burns's leadership and commitment, highlighting his engagement both on and off the field. Reich expects Burns to be a key player and leader for the Panthers. While acknowledging the position change, Reich downplayed any significant shift in Burns's role, noting his versatility and experience in coverage.

Burns reiterated his desire to remain with the Panthers, the team that drafted him in 2019. While he's optimistic about a long-term deal, he's taking a patient approach. He expressed gratitude for being in the conversation among the highest-paid pass rushers and is focusing on enjoying the process. Regarding injuries, safety Vonn Bell and rookie guard Chandler Zavala were sidelined during minicamp. Reich expects cornerback Donte Jackson, recovering from an Achilles tear, to be ready for training camp.