LA Rams clear edge. Panthers, Broncos, and Bears trade? Oh my . . .

The Panthers set the price for Burns then nix a potential deal

The LA Rams are not desperate for help. But as we had learned in the past, the Rams love to seize any opportunity to improve the roster. Another lesson that we learned in the past is that these Rams love to pick up help, even at mid-season, to get after the quarterback. And right now the LA Rams need lots of help at getting after a quarterback.

The Carolina Panthers have flirted with the idea of trading away a nearly-elite pass rusher in their defensive end Brian Burns. Of course, the team was desperate for draft picks in future drafts at the time. Since that initial assessment was made, the Panthers have picked up second, third, and fourth-round picks in 2023, fifth and sixth-round picks in 2024, and a seventh-round pick in 2025.

Inflation impacts asking offer

Not surprisingly, the price of DE Brian Burns just went up. Some may view the guy off the trading block. But I believe that the right price can still pry him away from the Panthers right now. There are numerous Rams rumors linking the team to Burns. But has his asking price risen out of their reach?

Of course, an opportunity is not a bidding war. I would not be the least bit surprised to learn that it was the Rams who had upped their bid for Brian Burns to a pair of first-round draft picks, beginning in 2024.

But if the price for Burns is too high, what are the LA Rams to do?  I’d be surprised if they didn’t pivot and engage in talks for another pass rusher. Burns is the ideal candidate for the Rams as he is young, easy on the pursestrings, and a rapidly developing pass rusher who offers a huge future in the NFL. But if his price is too high, do the LA Rams have a plan B? Yes. Yes, they do.