The New York Giants introduced their newest star to the media on Wednesday, edge rusher Brian Burns, who they landed in a blockbuster deal with Carolina during the free agent negotiating window.
Burns, who likens himself to the superhero Spider-Man, will wear No. 0 after inking his five-year, $141 million contract at the Giants’ headquarters in New Jersey.
Burns, a former first-round pick of the Panthers back in 2019, said he was ‘giddy’ to be a Giant and didn’t think New York would be ‘too big’ for him as he rattled off some praise for his new teammates.
“New York has a ton of young pieces. Looking down the line, I’ve got Dexter (Lawrence), I came out with Dexter. (Kayvon) Thibodeaux, I know him. I actually took him on a recruit from Florida State. But they’ve got dogs on the inside, they’ve got a dog behind them in the linebacker corps,” Burns said.
“So, there’s a lot of talent on this team. Other than with Carolina — respect to Carolina. I really appreciate them drafting me back in ’19, and I had a great five years there. It just came to an end, and we split paths. I’m just super excited to be a Giant now. I’m ready to start this new journey and continue my career. I’m ready to do great things.”
Burns was asked what the Giants were getting in him. His answer didn’t veer off from what every NFL fan already knows.
“They’re getting somebody that’s coming to work, always be professional, always be a pro, that’s number one,” he said.
“Other than that, I’m coming to work, I’m relentless. They’re getting a playmaker. They’re just getting a guy that’s really going to enjoy the process, take it day by day. I really take a lot of pride in getting better. I feel like I can learn from a lot of cats, especially on this team. Other than that, I’m a team guy, always been a team guy. I’m a natural leader. I’m just ready to get to work and ready to get with these guys.”
Burns will likely line up as a defensive end next to Lawrence, who was selected one spot after him in the 2019 NFL draft. He will also compete for the team sack lead with another first-rounder, linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Burns said he’s had face-to-face encounters with both players in the past.
“I knew Dexter coming out of high school. We went to the All-American game together. We went to the opening together. Other than that, we just from time to time we may message each other on Instagram or something like that,” he said.
“Thibodeaux, I was his host, and he took a visit to Florida State before he chose to go to Oregon. Like I said, from time to time we talk on Instagram. Other than that, nothing too deep.”
They’ll get to know each other quickly this spring and summer as new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen plans on putting together a top unit.
Burns said he hadn’t spoken to Bowen as of yet.
Giant fans will be engrossed in the Burns/Kayvon quarterback hit/sack/pressure. Burns is looking forward to it.
“I think it will be healthy competition. We’re definitely going to push each other because he’s very talented, as well am I. But it’s all fun and games. I think we’re going to make each other a lot better, honestly. It will definitely be healthy competition for sure,” Burns said.
