JUST IN: Falcon club insider reveal Falcons are in advance negotiation to sign Panthers’ top prolific linebacker in Free Agency

The Atlanta Falcons have struggled through the first ten games of the season. The Falcons are currently 4-6 after starting the season 2-0 for the first time since 2017, as they have lost six of their last eight games despite spending heavily in free agency this offseason.

This begs the question, what are the Falcons lacking? The quarterback position is on the minds of Falcons fans as the team enters its bye week, with more controversy brewing following Sunday’s 25-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. However, the edge rusher is likely to be second on the team’s priority list after the quarterback.

Given the Falcons’ need for a proven pass-rusher and the fact that the Falcons are expected to have $50.7 million in cap space this offseason, the impending contract status of Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns could be something to keep an eye on.

“Burns has five sacks this season after posting 12.5 in 2022, and his pass rush win rate of 27.3% would rank third in the NFL if he qualified,” writes ESPN in a recent article ranking the upcoming free agency class. “He’s also just entering his prime playing years. Burns possesses elite edge rushing characteristics such as speed, explosive power, and lower-body flexibility to consistently disrupt the pocket.”

Despite being one of the Panthers’ top defensive players, Burns, 25, has yet to sign a long-term contract extension. The former Florida State Seminole has quickly developed into one of the league’s top young edge rushers since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, totaling 42 sacks in 70 games since entering the league as a first-round pick.

If that isn’t impressive, consider that he had 68 total pressures last season, ranking ninth among edge rushers according to Pro Football Focus, and converted those into 10 sacks. Burns has 10 hurries and six sacks in eight games so far this season.

If Burns reaches free agency, he could be an ideal target for the Falcons, who have more than $50 million in projected cap space this offseason and could make a deal happen.