Brian Burns ready to lead new-look Giants defense into 2026 Season
Brian Burns ready to lead new-look Giants defense into 2026 Season originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . With major changes reshaping the New York Giants defense heading into 2026, Brian Burns is emerging as the unit’s new centerpiece and unquestioned leader.
Burns appears fully prepared to embrace that responsibility. “That’s how I’m kinda looking at it,” Burns said Tuesday night when asked about taking on a larger leadership role. “It’s kind of a nod to what I’ve done and the success that I’ve had, but I don’t take that lightly at all, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
” The Giants defense enters a new era after losing longtime defensive anchor Dexter Lawrence in the middle of the line. Burns admitted earlier this offseason that Lawrence’s absence would be difficult for both him and the defense overall. “Speaking for me, the Giants ain’t the Giants without No.
97 in the middle,” Burns told The Post in April. “That’s my boy. I don’t want to play this season or any other season without him.
” Even with those concerns, Burns understands the Giants need someone to lead the defense forward, especially for a franchise trying to reverse years of inconsistency under head coach John Harbaugh. Burns embraces leadership role Burns remains one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers. Burns finished the 2025 season with 10.