The Giants endured a difficult four-win season in 2025 that saw the head coach fired and some key players suffering serious injuries. Nevertheless, optimism is high that with John Harbaugh taking over as head coach the Giants will be more competitive in the years ahead. One of the veterans expected to lead them along that path is edge defender Brian Burns, who put together a sensational 2025 campaign in spite of New York’s struggles.

Burns started all 17 games and racked up an impressive 16.5 quarterback sacks to earn All-Pro Second Team at the end of the season.

Let’s break down some of the key aspects of Burns’ performance:

Racking up sacks

The Giants’ defense was expected to be among the league leaders in team sacks in 2025, having drafted Abdul Carter to add to a defensive front that already included Burns and veterans Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux. This never materialized as Thibodeaux, Carter and Lawrence had just seven sacks between them. However, Burns held up his end of the bargain as his 16.5 takedowns were bettered only by a record-setting performance by Myles Garrett.

Only two other players in Giants history -- Michael Strahan and Lawrence Taylor -- have ever managed more sacks in a season and Burns is now fifth in the NFL in total sacks since he was drafted in 2019. New York can feel confident he will produce again next year, as Burns has had at least 7.5 sacks in each of his seven NFL seasons.

Veteran leadership

Having joined New York from another losing program in Carolina, you could be forgiven for thinking that Burns might be frustrated with the constant losing and letting it affect his effort and attitude. However, if anything, the opposite is true as it has made him more determined than ever to play hard and set a good example. Coaches and teammates were full of praise for his leadership and consistency, which make him an ideal defensive figurehead as the team rebuilds.

Burns impressed his Giants teammates with his toughness and dedication by playing through injuries in the 2024 season and his consistency of effort even when the Giants were out of contention in 2025 set a tone down the stretch. This sets a good example for the likes of Carter, who had some disciplinary concerns during the season.

Carolina has gone from strength to strength since Burns’ departure, but this should not be seen as addition by subtraction -- rather the culmination of a rebuilding effort that he was a big part of. Hopefully for the Giants, they are heading in the same direction, but Burns can stick around and be involved in the team’s success this time.

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