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Brian Burns had a career year in 2025. But he still has somewhere higher to go in 2026.
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The New York Giants second-team All-Pro edge rusher explained what his goals and expectations are for himself after participating in the first day of team drills in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia on Wednesday.
Burns had 16.5 sacks a season ago, a career high which both led the NFC and was second-most in the NFL to Myles Garrett’s record-setting 23.
But he landed on the All-Pro second team finishing behind fellow edges Garrett, Will Anderson Jr. and Micah Parsons.
Brian Burns’ 2026 Goal: Make First-Team All-Pro
Burns surpassed his previous career high for sacks, which was 12.5 during the 2022 season, and was named to his first All-Pro team, even though it was the second team.
But Burns feels he has more to do in 2026.
“It means I’ve got something else to works towards trying to get first team,” Burns told reporters Wednesday. “The goals just keep getting higher; [second-team All-Pro] is a great accomplishment, but there’s still a lot of meat left on the bone. I gotta keep working.”
Burns is surrounded by a supporting cast that should make things easier on him. Abdul Carter is considered both the Giants’ most valuable player and a breakout candidate, and the Giants reportedly are unsure what to do with Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is slated to open the year as a backup.
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The depth at outside linebacker and edge gives the Giants valuable support if there is an injury and the ability to dominate games if there isn’t.
“Who wouldn’t?” Burns said when asked about if he is excited to play with the fellow Giants pass rushers.
Brian Burns is Focused on the Giants’ ‘Defensive Identity’ Under Dennard Wilson
Burns posted gaudy numbers while playing under Shane Bowen. But Dennard Wilson is in as DC, which means there will be an acclimation process.
“The top priority is obviously getting in football shape and being better conditioned than your opponent,” Burns said, “and I would say just getting good at your identity, what you’re gonna be calling most of the time.”
Burns said he knew what the Giants’ defensive identity is, and although he wouldn’t say it, the word “chaos” continues to come up. But he also acknowledged these are the hard days that build continuity and identity that a team will lean on during the regular season.
“Camp is supposed to be hard,” Burns said. “We’re definitely going to work, and I’m looking forward to it.”
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This story was originally published July 30, 2026 at 7:06 AM.