Report: Panthers expect unsigned first-round pick Brian Burns at training camp

Per a league source, the Panthers do expect rookie defensive end Brian Burns to report to camp at Wofford with his teammates today. Burns has been the sole rookie in this class who has yet to sign his contract.

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) July 24, 2019

Brian Burns is one of a handful of 2019 NFL draft picks who have yet to sign their rookie contracts. While he can’t participate at training camp until he signs, the Panthers are expecting him to show up today at Wofford College, according to a report by Jourdan Rodrigue at the Athletic.

Rookie wage scales are locked in, so there’s only so many things that could be holding up a deal.

We don’t have any idea what it could be. For what it’s worth, on Tuesday Rodrigue responded to an inquiring group of fans on Twitter that Burns changed his representation in May, stating he left CAA. Rodrigue speculates paperwork related to that could be a part of the delay.

He also left CAA in May so there may just be some regular old logistics and paperwork issues to get through.

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) July 23, 2019

Burns was picked at No. 16 overall by the Panthers. He’s expected to play one of the edge/outside linebacker spots in the team’s newfangled 3-4 defense.

Even highly-touted first-round picks are not guaranteed playing time under Ron Rivera. Burns will have to earn his reps this fall by competing with veterans like Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin.