I didn’t think the Brian Burns situation would come to this — him “holding in” but missing practice in the final days leading up to the Panthers' season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Brian Burns, who is currently under contract in the 5th-year team option, is seeking an extension before the start of the season. He’s been present throughout OTAs, training camp, and practice meetings, but last Thursday, Burns opted to sit out of practice for personal reasons. He’s “holding in,” which is a softer version of “holding out.” The strategy, however, is working as the media has started asking questions. Questions to the team, coaches, and the front office about how far this Burns hold in could extend or if the team plans to extend him.

The news isn’t new, and he isn’t alone. San Francisco’s Nick Bosa, who is in a similar situation, has skipped all of 49ers training camp and the preseason. Both players' circumstances are related, and many believe they influence each other’s decision to sign or play. Burns noted early in the summer he wanted to be paid among the league's top pass rushers. With the high-profile Bosa hoping to reset the market at 30 million dollars per year, timing could mean big bucks for both Burns and Bosa. Perhaps Burns's failure to ink a big deal has slowed the Bosay deal, but either way, both teams are hoping to get their top pass rusher on the field by week one.

Reporters turned to linebacker Shaq Thompson and coach Frank Reich for insight into how things will play out—neither had much to offer. Thompson, hesitant to comment on other players' money, stated, “Everybody above us knows what he deserves and should be getting paid. They know what to do to make it right before Week 1.”

Reich stayed upbeat and politically correct, noting, “We understand there's a business side to this thing we do, and I still respect and admire the way he's handled himself. So, I have nothing but the highest regard for Brian Burns.

How far will this hold in go? Will it turn into a holdout with Burns not taking the field on Sunday? Will he risk taking the field and playing through his 5th-year option in hopes that both he and the Panthers can reach an agreement or, in the worst-case scenario, avoid the franchise tag after this year?

Burns has played this situation carefully by ingratiating himself with fans by taking on a leadership role and team-player persona amidst contractual negotiations. It’s probably the best play in a place like Carolina, honestly. Burns has a ton of leverage right now, and it’s hard to see that leverage much greater outside of him just having an unprecedented season. He could go out and rack up 16 sacks and have his price tag only go up in the wake of Bosa’s pending contract. That would come with a significant risk, however. One injury could quickly offset his current leverage as the team tries to mold a new defense under a new coaching staff.

Thompson noted Wednesday was an important moment in the Burns saga, stating, “We know he’s gonna be out there at the end of the day. He knows he’s gonna be out there at the end of the day. And everybody upstairs better know he’s gonna be out there by Wednesday. He’s a big factor (in) this defense. He’s the one it really starts with, him and Derrick (Brown). They’ll make it right.” Wednesday begins intensive preparation for the Atlanta Falcons, and in the meantime, I can only hope that talks are intensifying and moving toward an outcome that ensures Brian Burns’s availability. Rather than being on the brink of a holdout, it’s time for the Panthers to back the Brinx truck. They may be without a choice.

By Tony Dunn
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