Brian Burns and the 2024 NFL salary cap

Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY SportsThe Carolina Panthers have a Brian Burns problem. The 16th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft is set to be a free agent this season unless the team can agree to a long term deal with Burns or place the franchise tag on him. Opinions on Burns talent level vary widely, but it is hard to rebut the position that he is the team's clear best edge rusher.

With holes left and right across the roster, it seems logical to retain one of the few good players the team has left. Letting him walk leaves a new, Brian Burns-sized hole that also has to be filled.

But at what cost?

ESPN's David Newton reported yesterday that Burns is still seeking a new deal that would average an…