PANTHERS PICK UP 5TH YEAR OPTION ON BRIAN BURNS

The word on the street is the Panthers have exercised the 5th year option on Brian Burns. This means that Burns is under contract for at least two more years--thru 2023. The real question is what will happen, and when, as far as an extension is concerned. The option gives the team an additional year before they have to make that decision. As part of that process, it IS possible that Burns could be retained for two more years, thru 2025, if the Panthers decided to use the Franchise tag on him. You can use it twice, so that would allow for two additional years...

NBC Sports Edge: Panthers Pick Up Option on Burns