When it comes to the current state of contract negotiations between two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers, the Carolina Panthers have come to a temporary compromise . . . for the Carolina Panthers.

As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Tuesday morning, the team is using the franchise tag on their 25-year-old outside linebacker. The decision would prevent Burns, who was on an expiring rookie deal, from becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

What once seemed to be a slam-dunk prospect, a long-term agreement between the two sides still has yet to be reached. Burns told reporters in early September that talks were “on hold” following an unsuccessful venture into a fresh pact during the summer.

Recent reports have suggested that Burns was seeking close to $30 million per year, which could stand as the second-highest annual value amongst all edge defenders. The Panthers, on the other hand, were reportedly willing to come up to $27 million.

With the NFL’s record-breaking salary cap increase also came an uptick in the value of the franchise tag. Burns, as a linebacker, would be set to earn just over $24 million for the 2024 campaign.

The Panthers and Burns now have until July 15 to negotiate a new contract. If they still cannot come to an agreement before then, Burns will have to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag.

Story originally appeared on Panthers Wire