Brian Burns could very well have been in Hollywood instead of Broadway.
A year and a half before the Giants acquired the star pass rusher from the Panthers, Carolina turned down a monster trade package for Barnes.
The Rams offered two first-round picks to Carolina and a second-round pick to Barnes before the 2022 trade deadline in hopes of repeating their bid to become Super Bowl champions.
Carolina declined the offer, but According to ESPN.
The Panthers ultimately settled with the Giants in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick, a 2025 fifth-round pick, and a 2024 fifth-round pick.
And Big Blue is certainly not complaining.
The Giants clearly believe the 25-year-old Barnes is and will continue to be one of the best defenders in the NFL, signing him to a five-year, $150 million contract.
His contract features $87.5 million in guaranteed money, making it the second-richest contract in NFL history for a defensive end. According to ESPN.
Barnes, who turns 26 in April, has 46 sacks in his first four seasons, including a career-best 12.5 in the 2022 season.
The linebacker and defensive end each had at least 7.5 sacks in their first seasons, including last season when they had eight sacks and 21 pressures.
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Carolina selected Barnes with the 16th pick in the NFL Draft after a successful collegiate career at Florida State University.
Barnes has proven durability and reliability, two traits the Giants value, appearing in 80 games over five seasons and never playing more than 15 games.
Carolina tried to sign Barnes to a long-term contract, but the teams could not come to an agreement.
Under new general manager Dan Morgan, the Panthers did what they could, adding a valuable second-round pick to a draft where the Bears own a first-round pick.
But the second-round pick certainly pales in comparison to the two first-round picks.
