5 new NFC East players the Commanders must worry about in 2024

Commanders should worry about Brian Burns

As if facing off against Micah Parsons twice a year was not enough. Now the Washington Commanders will have to cope with explosive pass-rusher Brian Burns, who was acquired by the New York Giants following a bombshell trade with the Carolina Panthers.

The Giants traded the No. 39 overall selection, swapped fifth-rounders in the 2024 NFL Draft, and sent a 2025 fifth-rounder to the Panthers to acquire Burns. They then signed the former Florida State star to a five-year, $141 million contract, making him the fourth-highest-paid defensive player in the league.

Burns is a two-time Pro Bowler who has averaged more than seven sacks per season throughout his NFL career. He played defensive end for the Panthers before switching to outside linebacker last season in Ejiro Evero's creative 3-4 base scheme. This provides the Giants with some defensive versatility.

Adding Burns to a Giants defense that already has Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodueax will provide a challenge for the Commanders. Especially considering the questions surrounding their offensive line once again.

Commanders should worry about Cooper Beebe

This one might come back to hurt the Commanders in the long run. Although the team added Brandon Coleman in the third round, many analysts had Cooper Beebe ranked higher on their pre-draft boards. So it'll be interesting to see how the two compare throughout their respective careers.

Beebe was the second offensive line addition for the Dallas Cowboys in the draft. The four-year starter was a back-to-back Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and has experience playing at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle.

He was regarded as a plug-and-play starter. If he ends up having a long, Pro-Bowl career with the Cowboys, it will bring back memories of passing up on him in the 2024 NFL Draft in favor of Coleman.