The New York Giants made a move with 16.5-sack edge-rusher Brian Burns worth $15.1 million to the team’s salary cap situation, but fans have been warned to temper expectations about what Big Blue will do with the money during the remainder of 2026 NFL free agency.
It’s a note of caution from ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, who reported the update to Burns’ contract status on Friday, March 13. Raanan explained how “The Giants created $15.1 million in salary cap space by converting $22.75 million of Brian Burns’ base salary into a signing bonus, per source. Don’t expect any big signing as a result. This simply creates operating funds.”
Don’t expect any big signing as a result. This simply creates operating funds.
Not many Giants supporters will want to dismiss the idea of a “big signing” to supplement what has been a largely positive haul during this veteran market. Especially when the Giants still have needs, notably wide receiver, defensive tackle and finding more help along the offensive line.
Those things can be solved with the ample cap space still at the disposal of general manager Joe Schoen and new head coach John Harbaugh. Either way, Pro Bowler Burns earns credit for helping the Giants off the field as well as on it.
Giants Still Expected to Slow Free Agency Spending
They are pushing closer toward the $30 million mark in salary cap space, but there’s a prevailing sentiment the Giants won’t pursue heavy spending. It’s a feeling underlined by Ian O’Connor of The Athletic.
O’Connor highlighted short-term contracts, like the one handed to former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III, along with the shock deal agreed with draft flop Evan Neal. According to O’Connor, “These were types of low $ Giants deals I heard 2 nights ago were coming (though not Neal specifically!!). John Harbaugh will need to coach up some guys to meet his stated 2026 playoff goal.”
It’s a logical take, but perhaps things will change, despite Raanan’s warning. After all, the Giants freed up cash by adjusting Burns’ terms, while Harbaugh knows he still needs to beef up weak position groups.
Perhaps the weakest is the interior of the offensive line. Many will be unconvinced Neal can finally make the grade, while Jon Runyan Jr. has failed to impress and Greg Van Roten remains a free agent.
Those issues make sense of the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy “hearing that #Giants guard focus right now includes Daniel Faalele, after Alijah Vera-Tucker negotiations became too rich. The 6-foot-8 (!) Faalele has familiarity with Harbaugh from #Ravens and Matt Nagy likes big interior offensive linemen.”
Reuniting with yet another ex-member of the Baltimore Ravens seems likely for Harbaugh. He needs players he can trust at key spots, but Harbaugh won’t have to worry about Burns remaining a force.
Brian Burns’ Contract Update Won’t Lessen Impact
Burns has established himself as a relentless quarterback hunter for the Giants, one of the few members of the front seven opposing teams need special plans to contain. Not many strategies succeeded in 2025, when Burns recorded a career-best 41 pressures and blitzed 39 times, another career-high, per Pro Football Reference.
Burns is the consistent game-wrecker off the edge the Giants have hoped top-five draft picks Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter would become. The latter still has a good chance to develop as expected, but Thibodeaux is more likely to be traded. Carter’s development will go a lot easier with Burns continuing to wreck protection from the other end of the defensive line.
Turning Burns loose will still be the foundation of how Harbaugh and new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson plan to attack offenses. Yet, the veteran outside linebacker’s biggest contribution might be giving the Giants the means to add another marquee disruptor up front this offseason.
Giants Fans Warned About $15.1 Million Brian Burns Move