1. The impact Brian Burns will make on the Giants' defense
The Giants' addition of Burns was the most prominent offseason move this year. Giants GM Joe Schoen dealt pick No. 39 and a 2025 fifth-round selection to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, who should immediately impact the pass-rushing department alongside Thibodeaux and Lawrence II, which could very likely be the best three-headed monster on the front in the NFL. Now that Spider-Man can officially call the Big Apple home, Giants fans couldn't be more excited to see Burns take the field.
In five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Burns started 67 games in 80 appearances and defended 13 passes, eight forced fumbles, 246 combined tackles, 56 yards, and a touchdown. The veteran pass-rusher also had 46 total sacks, including the 12.5 he had in 2022. It's safe to say Burns will exceed expectations on the field with his play style and off the field as a mentor to Thibodeaux.
While Thibodeaux has already had success in his young career with the Giants, the third-year defensive end is in line for a breakout campaign in 2024. With Burns by his side, we can expect the 2022 No. 5 overall selection to take that leap this season. Burns told the media last month that he had spent much time with Thibodeaux this offseason and compared their relationship to one when he played with Haason Reddick in 2021.
Brian Burns says he and Kayvon Thibodeaux are spending a lot of time together and enjoying the healthy competition.
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) May 23, 2024
He compares their relationship to his with Haason Reddick and says having a veteran around "did wonders for [his] career" pic.twitter.com/QBUyA9OGue
We can expect Spider-Man to swing in and save the day for the Giants' defense throughout the season, whether he's on or off the field. Burns will make his presence known in New York next season. Big Blue fans will welcome No. 0 to MetLife Stadium on Week 1 when the Giants host the Minnesota Vikings and should be excited to see the veteran edge-rusher take the field.