By now, we've learned that New York Giants star outside linebacker Brian Burns is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. However, his willingness to weigh in on the club's standoff with stalwart defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence shows he's not afraid to speak up.
Burns has been straightforward when given a chance to go on the record about the well-chronicled contract dispute between his now ex-teammate, Lawrence, and the Giants. He can't envision a scenario without "No. 97 in the middle" of the action in New York — even though that ship has officially sailed.
It sounds like reality has yet to sink in for Burns, as evidenced by his recent interview with Exhibit News Network's Josina Anderson. He still seems shocked by the Giants' decision to trade Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the tenth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The candid Burns was searching for words when asked what he predicts the Giants' defensive line will look like next season without Lawrence.
"Ooh, I wish I could tell you," Burns stated. "I have no idea. ... I would've had a better idea if we still had one of our cornerstones, but you know, the way things can shake out, there's no telling who's going to be in that room by the time Week 1 comes about."
Brian Burns has no idea what to expect from Giants' DL without Dexter Lawrence
That's quite a loaded comment from Burns. He knows replacing what the Giants lost in Lawrence won't be easy. The dynamic duo pass-rushing duo clearly built a strong relationship during their two campaigns in New York together, both on and off the field.
Of course, landing a second top-10 selection this year sounds nice. But ultimately, the Giants will be judged by how they use the premium asset sent to them from the Bengals in exchange for Lawrence. Burns understands that the jury is still out on whether New York made the right move.
While many are quick to declare the Giants winners of their blockbuster swap with the Bengals, Burns appears to have a different perspective. He's curious to see how New York will replicate the impact Lawrence's mere presence had on the entire operation. The latter commands double teams regularly, freeing up opportunities for edge rushers or making you pay for daring to try blocking him with one lineman.
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