The Giants entered Thursday at the bottom of the NFL in terms of cap space. On the day Abdul Carter signed his rookie deal, fellow edge rusher Brian Burns had his pact restructured to create financial breathing room. 
$16MM of Burns’ base salary has been converted into a signing bonus, ESPN’s Field Yates reports. The move has freed up $12MM in cap space for 2025 after the two-time Pro Bowler was scheduled to carry a cap charge of $29.75MM. Burns remains under contract through 2028.
Over the course of his tenure with the Panthers, the former first-rounder established himself as a consistent producer along the edge. Carolina repeatedly turned aside trade interest, but an inability between team and player to agree to terms on an extension led to last year’s swap which sent him to New York. Upon arrival, Burns inked a five-year, $141MM deal.
Expectations were obviously high given the nature of that investment, and the Florida State product managed 8.5 sacks (second on the team to defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence) during his debut Giants season. Burns is joined by Kayvon Thibodeaux as a returnee along the edge, and those two will be joined by Carter for at least the next two years. Thibodeaux’s 2026 option was picked up this spring, putting to rest questions about his immediate future in New York.
The Oregon product has flashed potential at times, but consistency has also proven to be an issue. Thibodeaux does not expect to discuss an extension this summer, so plenty will depend on his ability to produce in 2025 in determining his outlook with the team. With Carter in place as a potential successor in that case, Burns will be tasked with remaining a consist contributor in the sack department.
Three members of the Giants’ rookie class are yet to be signed. Finalizing those pacts will use up a portion of the team’s newly-created funds, but the team could also look into some low-cost moves with Burns’ cap figure having been reduced.