This Player Could Be the Eagles’ Secret Weapon—Maybe Even Better Than Myles Garrett
Imagine a pass rusher so explosive, so relentless, that opposing quarterbacks start hearing footsteps before the snap. The Eagles already have one of the best in Myles Garrett—but what if I told you there’s another player lurking in the shadows who could be just as dominant? Maybe even more disruptive?
Every NFL offseason, fans and analysts play the same game: “What if?” What if the Eagles landed that one missing piece? What if Howie Roseman pulled off another blockbuster trade? And this year, the biggest “what if” isn’t about a flashy free agent or a rookie sensation—it’s about a player who’s been quietly dominating under the radar, with the potential to be Philadelphia’s next defensive nightmare.
So who is this mystery player? Why are analysts whispering his name in the same breath as Myles Garrett? And—most importantly—could he really be the Eagles’ next game-changing acquisition? Let’s break it down.
Why Myles Garrett Is the Gold Standard (And Why This Player Could Match Him)
First, let’s talk about Myles Garrett. The Cleveland Browns’ superstar edge rusher isn’t just good—he’s a cheat code. Since entering the league in 2017, Garrett has racked up:
- 91.5 sacks (including a 16-sack season in 2021)
- 4x Pro Bowler, 3x First-Team All-Pro
- Elite athleticism: 6’4”, 272 lbs, with a 4.64 40-yard dash (faster than some running backs!)
- Double-team nightmare: Offenses scheme entire game plans around stopping him
Garrett is the kind of player who changes everything. He’s not just a pass rusher—he’s a culture-setter, a leader, and a guy who makes every player around him better. That’s why when fans dream about the Eagles’ next defensive superstar, they’re not just looking for good. They’re looking for Garrett-level dominance.
So who could possibly measure up? Enter: [Player Name].*
The 3 Traits That Make a Pass Rusher “Garrett-Level” (And Why This Player Has Them)
Not every sack artist is created equal. Myles Garrett doesn’t just get to the quarterback—he erases offensive game plans. To be in his tier, a player needs:
1. Explosiveness Off the Edge (First-Step Quickness)
Garrett’s first step is violent. He goes from 0 to 60 faster than a sports car, leaving tackles lunging at air. The player we’re talking about? His get-off is just as lethal. Watch his film—he’s gone before the tackle can even set his feet.
2. Relentless Motor + High Football IQ
Great pass rushers don’t quit on plays. Garrett chases quarterbacks like a shark chasing blood. Our mystery player? He’s the same way—but with an extra gear. He doesn’t just rush; he outthinks blockers, using counter moves and leverage to win.
3. Versatility (He’s Not Just a Pass Rusher)
Garrett isn’t just a sack machine—he’s a complete defensive end. He sets the edge against the run, bats down passes, and even drops into coverage when needed. The player in question? He’s just as versatile, with the stats to prove it.
Now, let’s talk numbers.
The Stats Don’t Lie: How This Player Stacks Up Against Garrett
We’ve kept you in suspense long enough. The player who could be just as good as Myles Garrett for the Eagles? Khalil Mack—if he returns to peak form—or, more realistically, Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers’ rising star.
But let’s focus on Burns, because he’s the one who fits the Eagles’ timeline and scheme perfectly. Here’s how he compares to Garrett over the last three seasons:
| Stat | Myles Garrett (2021–2023) | Brian Burns (2021–2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sacks | 38.5 | 30.0 |
| Pressures | 287 | 241 |
| Tackles for Loss | 45 | 38 |
| Forced Fumbles | 10 | 8 |
| PFF Pass-Rush Grade | 91.2 | 88.5 |
At first glance, Garrett’s numbers are better—but here’s the kicker: Burns is only 25 years old (Garrett is 28), and he’s been doing this without a dominant defensive line around him. Imagine what he could do with Fletcher Cox’s veteran presence and Jalen Carter’s interior push drawing double teams away from him.
And let’s not forget: Burns is entering his prime. Garrett was already a superstar by 25, but Burns is on the same trajectory—with room to grow.
Why the Eagles Should (and Could) Make This Move
The Eagles’ defense was good in 2023, but it wasn’t elite. They ranked 11th in sacks (43) and 17th in pressure rate (23.1%). To take the next step, they need a true alpha pass rusher—someone who strikes fear into quarterbacks’ hearts.
Here’s why Burns makes sense:
✅ Scheme Fit: Perfect for Jim Schwartz’s Wide-9
The Eagles’ defensive line thrives on upfield penetration. Burns’ explosiveness and bend fit like a glove. He’d be a nightmare in Schwartz’s system.
✅ Age + Contract: Prime Years at a (Relatively) Fair Price
Burns is on the last year of his rookie deal ($16M in 2024). The Panthers might not be able to afford him long-term, making him a realistic trade target. The Eagles have the cap space and draft capital to make it happen.
✅ Leadership + Locker Room Impact
Burns isn’t just a quiet sack artist—he’s a vocal leader. The Eagles lost some defensive identity when Cox and Graham aged out. Burns could be that new face of the defense.
Of course, there are risks. Burns has had injury concerns (missed 3 games in 2023 with an ankle issue), and trading for him would cost assets. But if the Eagles are serious about winning a Super Bowl in the Jalen Hurts era, this is the kind of bold move that could put them over the top.
What’s the Realistic Path to Burns in Midnight Green?
So how could this actually happen? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. The Panthers’ Situation
Carolina is in rebuild mode. They have a new coach (Dave Canales), a young QB (Bryce Young), and glaring holes everywhere. If they’re not contending by midseason, Burns could be on the block.
2. Trade Compensation
The Eagles would likely need to send:
- A 2025 1st-round pick (top-15 protected)
- A 2024 3rd-rounder or a proven young player (like Nakobe Dean or Cam Jurgens)
It’s a steep price, but for a 25-year-old elite pass rusher, it’s worth it.
3. Contract Extension
Burns would command $25M+ per year (similar to T.J. Watt’s deal). The Eagles have $20M+ in cap space in 2024, and they can restructure contracts (looking at you, Lane Johnson) to make it work.
4. The Domino Effect
Adding Burns would let the Eagles:
- Move Haason Reddick to a more versatile role
- Reduce Josh Sweat’s snap count (keeping him fresh)
- Create mismatch hell for offenses (imagine Burns, Reddick, and Carter all on the field at once)
The Counterargument: Why This Might Not Happen
Before we get too excited, let’s pump the brakes. There are real obstacles:
⚠️ The Panthers Might Keep Him
If Carolina’s new regime believes in a quick turnaround, they could hold onto Burns as a cornerstone piece.
⚠️ Injury History
Burns has missed time in back-to-back seasons. The Eagles can’t afford another high-priced injury risk (see: Darius Slay’s 2023 struggles).
⚠️ Opportunity Cost
Trading a 1st-rounder for Burns means no top-tier rookie in 2025. Is he worth skipping on a potential blue-chip prospect?
Still, the upside is massive. And if the Eagles are serious about winning now, this is the kind of move that champions make.
What’s Next? 3 Scenarios for the Eagles’ Pass Rush in 2024
So what actually happens this offseason? Here are the most likely outcomes:
🔮 Scenario 1: The Blockbuster Trade (Eagles Land Burns)
How it happens: Panthers struggle early, Eagles send a 1st + 3rd by the deadline.
Impact: Instant Super Bowl contender. Burns + Reddick = best pass-rush duo in football.
🔮 Scenario 2: The Budget Move (Eagles Sign a Veteran Like Za’Darius Smith)
How it happens: Howie Roseman plays it safe, signs a cheaper vet (Smith, Leonard Floyd, or Jadeveon Clowney).
Impact: Solid, but not transformative. The defense stays good, not great.
🔮 Scenario 3: The Draft Gamble (Eagles Bet on a Rookie Like Dallas Turner)
How it happens: Eagles stand pat, draft a pass rusher at #22 (Turner, Chop Robinson, or Jared Verse).
Impact: High risk, high reward. Rookies take time—will they be ready for a Super Bowl push?
If I’m Howie Roseman, I’m picking up the phone for Burns. The Eagles’ window is now, and elite pass rushers don’t grow on trees.
Final Verdict: Is This Player Really as Good as Myles Garrett?
Let’s be clear: Myles Garrett is a generational talent. There are maybe two or three players in the NFL who can truly match his impact. But Brian Burns is one of them.
Is he better than Garrett right now? No. But is he just as good in his prime? Absolutely. And could he be even more valuable to the Eagles’ specific defense? Without a doubt.
Garrett is the complete package—but Burns is younger, hungrier, and potentially a better scheme fit for Philly. If the Eagles acquire him, they’re not just getting a great player. They’re getting a defense-changing force who could be the final piece in their championship puzzle.
Your Turn: Would You Trade for Burns?
Alright, Eagles fans—it’s debate time. Would you give up a 1st-round pick + more for Brian Burns? Or should Howie Roseman play it safe and look for cheaper options?
Drop your take in the comments below! And if you’re hungry for more Eagles offseason breakdowns, check out these reads:
- Related: Eagles’ 2024 Free Agency Wish List: 5 Realistic Targets Who Could Change Everything
- Related: Jalen Hurts’ Next Leap: How the Eagles Can Fix Their Red-Zone Struggles
- Related: The Fletcher Cox Effect: Why the Eagles’ Defense Will Miss Him More Than You Think
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Fly Eagles Fly. 🦅
