Brian Burns wants the same things the Giants want from him in the long run.
“Stability and security,” the linebacker said at the team’s training camp session on Sunday.
Burns, 26, got that in the largest contract for a defensive player in franchise history (five years, $141.5 million) and the Giants didn’t stay up until 3 a.m. on the night before the trade to regret giving him that contract nor continue their cycle of big-money letdowns.
The sixth-year player said he watched the trade happenings on “Hard Knocks” and found it to be an “interesting side” of a story he lived through.
He also likely noticed that Joe Schoen would like to prove Burns being a better decision than his other third-year move of re-signing Daniel Jones.
So far, both parties seem content with how things are going and foresee those expectations being met.
Much of that reassurance for the Giants has come from watching the intense competition between Burns and Andrew Thomas during training camp, which has caused the rare occurrence of the offensive lineman losing some reps in practice.
“We say that a lot when we’re watching as a coaching staff,” head coach Brian Daboll said about Thomas being tested by Burns. “That’s a fun watch. A fun matchup to watch. Those guys go at it, make each other better. Both are really good football players so I think it helps us as a team.”
When asked about the rare occurrence, Burns quickly answered, “You said that never happens?”
“It’s been a constant battle between me and him. I embrace the opportunity …” Burns continued. “Ever since he got back [from missing some time during OTAs], I’ve been on his side. We’re definitely going to get each other better. Today, he kind of got me a little pissed off. He edged me out today. So, tomorrow we got a battle. We got to get that back, for sure.”
Outside of Thomas, Burns and his fellow linebackers are adjusting to defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s strategy.
It doesn’t involve as much blitzing as the Giants were accustomed to in previous years and instead puts more responsibility on the front four players to apply pressure without the need for extra bodies.
“I take it seriously,” Burns said of his role. “With that being said, today we had too many quarterback scrambles. I don’t think we kept a tight enough pocket today. It’s still early. We’re still learning how to rush with each other, so it’s going to take time. But, day by day, we’re going to get better. I do take it seriously, and that puts a lot on our group, and I think we’ve got the guys to do it.”
Acquired from the Panthers on March 13, Burns had eight total sacks last season along with one forced fumble and one recovered in 16 games.