4 Panthers players the Vikings should target after Matt Rhule’s firing

Brian Burns – DE

The Carolina Panthers aren’t blessed with many tradable assets on friendly contracts. Although it would be a significant surprise, if a team came in with an offer they couldn’t refuse for stud defensive end Brian Burns, those in power would need to have a frank discussion.

Burns is widely regarded as one of the league’s most explosive defensive ends. His quickness off the block and top-end speed are nothing short of phenomenal, which is matched by ever-improving discipline against the run to further enhance his influence.

This would take an astronomical offer to tempt the Panthers. Burns occupies one of the NFL’s premium positions regarding the impact on games, so the Minnesota Vikings or someone else might be willing to go all in for the Florida State product.

Adding Burns to an edge that includes Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith is almost unfair. The former first-round pick also has previous experience operating as a 3-4 defensive end both in Carolina and for the Seminoles in college.

Hunter and Smith might not be around in 2023, which is another factor in this scenario that cannot be overlooked. However, Burns is on the lookout for a megabucks deal next spring heading into the final year of his rookie deal, which could put the cash-strapped Vikings off when it’s all said and done.