It's only been two seasons, and the trade that netted the New York Giants Brian Burns has already been a resounding success. The edge rusher has comfortably reached superstar status, leading a dangerous pass rush in New York.
Coming off a career year in 2025, he has his sights set on making Giants history. Burns finished with 16.5 sacks last season, leading the NFC in the category. If he produces at least ten in 2026, he'll become the first Giants player since Justin Tuck with back-to-back double-digit sack seasons.
Barring an unforseen dip in production, Burns is set to join elite company.
Giants' Brian Burns is 10 sacks away from joining Justin Tuck in elite category
It's hard to believe that a franchise known for fielding elite defensive lines hasn't had a player with double-digit sacks in almost 20 years. While the Super-Bowl-winning groups headlined by stars like Tuck, Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul were dominant, the G-Men have had a bit of a dry spell since.
Tuck posted 10 sacks in 2007 and 12 sacks in 2008. He had multiple seasons with double-digit sacks later in his career, but never in consecutive years.
Before him, Strahan accomplished the feat, logging three consecutive seasons with at least 10 sacks from 2001 to 2003.
Dexter Lawrence II, for all of his dominance, never had a season with double-digit sacks. His best chance at hitting that mark was hindered by injury in 2024.
Multiple other Giants defenders have recorded single seasons with at least ten sacks. Umenyiora and Pierre-Paul both did it in the early 2010s, and Kayvon Thibodeaux even did it in 2023.
Burns should comfortably hit the mark this season. He has the benefit of playing opposite Abdul Carter, keeping teams from double-teaming him too often. His pass-rush win rate of 16% ranked 11th in the league last season.
In defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson's dynamic system, Burns will be able to move around the line of scrimmage more often, lining up in favorable spots. Hopefully, an improved secondary will give the Giants' pass rush more time to get to the quarterback.
If Burns can accomplish this feat, he'll go down as one of the best Giants pass rushers of this century. Being mentioned in the same sentence as Strahan and Tuck shouldn't be taken lightly. With just one more solid season, the 28-year-old will become a legend in New York.
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