Report: 5 teams inquired about Panthers' Burns prior to trade deadline

Five clubs reached out to the Carolina Panthers to inquire about the availability of star pass-rusher Brian Burns, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers expressed interest before acquiring Montez Sweat and Chase Young from the Washington Commanders, respectively, Schefter reports.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens also reportedly contacted the Panthers, who said they had no intention of moving Burns ahead of the trade deadline.

Burns was pursued at each of the last two trade deadlines. The two-time Pro Bowl linebacker is playing out the final year of his rookie contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Carolina could use the franchise tag on the 25-year-old if the two sides are unable to negotiate an extension.

The Los Angeles Rams reportedly offered Carolina two first-round picks last year.

Burns leads the Panthers with five sacks and seven tackles for loss entering Sunday's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The Florida State product led the team with 12.5 sacks and had 17 tackles for loss in 2022.

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