New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns is coming off a career-defining 2025 season, and the big question on every fan's mind is: can he take it even higher in 2026?

In his first year with the Giants, Burns was nothing short of spectacular. The former Florida State star racked up 16.5 sacks—shattering his previous personal best of 12.5 sacks from his 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers—and earned his first career second-team All-Pro nod. At 28 years old with seven NFL seasons behind him, Burns showcased a blend of speed, power, and technique that left offensive tackles scrambling.

The timing couldn't be more intriguing. The NFL's edge rusher elite have been setting the bar astronomically high. T.J. Watt tied Michael Strahan's single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks in 2021, and Myles Garrett recently topped that mark by notching 23 sacks in 2025. For Burns, who played as well as he ever has last season, the 20-sack milestone suddenly feels within reach. It's not far-fetched to imagine him joining that conversation if he continues on his current trajectory.

But the path forward isn't without hurdles. The Giants traded defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati, removing a key interior presence that helped free up Burns on the edge. Additionally, a new defensive scheme under coordinator Dennard Wilson could require an adjustment period. How quickly Burns adapts to these changes will likely determine whether his 2026 stat line soars or stabilizes.

For now, the foundation is there. With his combination of relentless motor and refined pass-rush moves, Burns has the tools to keep elevating his game—and maybe even chase history in the process.