FOXBOROUGH, MA — With a new era dawning under head coach Jerod Mayo and executive Eliot Wolf, the New England Patriots may be looking to accelerate their rebuild by making a splash on the trade market. According to recent NFL rumors, the Patriots have been named a top potential destination for a blockbuster deal involving an All-Pro defender — and the buzz is only growing louder.
The player in question? None other than edge rusher Brian Burns, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the most disruptive defensive ends in the league. Burns, currently with the New York Giants after a short and surprising tenure following a trade from the Carolina Panthers, could once again be on the move. With the Giants reportedly considering future cap flexibility and asset accumulation, the Patriots could swoop in as an ideal trade partner.
NFL analyst Matt Lombardo recently suggested that New England’s combination of cap space, defensive scheme, and need for elite pass-rush help makes them a serious contender in the Burns sweepstakes. “The Patriots need playmakers, and Burns fits that mold,” Lombardo said. “He’s 26, entering his prime, and would be the centerpiece of Jerod Mayo’s defensive vision.”
Burns recorded 8.0 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss in 2024 despite playing in a rotation-heavy scheme that limited his snap count. His blend of speed and power off the edge has drawn comparisons to Patriots legend Willie McGinest, and many believe Mayo — a defensive mind himself — would maximize Burns’ talent.
The Patriots, meanwhile, finished the 2024 season ranked near the bottom in sacks and quarterback pressures. While their young secondary showed promise, the lack of a consistent edge presence allowed opposing QBs too much time in the pocket. With a strong defensive line core including Christian Barmore and Deatrich Wise Jr., the addition of Burns could turn a weakness into a strength.
Of course, a trade for Burns wouldn’t come cheap. The Giants are reportedly seeking at least a first-round pick and an additional mid-rounder or young player in return. But New England, which holds extra mid-round draft capital and a projected top-10 pick next season, has flexibility — and an incentive to accelerate their competitive timeline.
Team insiders have hinted that Mayo and Wolf are not afraid to make bold moves, especially when it comes to bringing in high-character, high-impact players. Burns, known for his leadership and community presence in Carolina, fits the mold.
While no deal is imminent, league sources suggest the Patriots are doing their due diligence. With free agency moves already showing a shift in tone from the previous regime, a big swing like this would signal the start of a more aggressive, forward-thinking approach in Foxborough.
If the Patriots land Burns, it would mark one of the boldest moves of the post-Bill Belichick era — and potentially the foundation for a dominant defensive identity in New England.