Former NC State Cornerback Juston Burris finally had his breakout season lat year, and it paid off for the Raleigh native.
After being drafted in the 4th round by the Jets in 2016, Burris played two seasons as a reserve in the secondary for the Jets, but was waived by them October 2018. Eventually he was picked up by the Browns, and ended up playing one snap from scrimmage in 2018, after playing a combined 521 in his first two seasons combined.
Burris’ rollercoaster continued at the beginning of last season, being cut by the Browns prior to the season, only to be picked up by the Raiders, who cut him a week later. Burris found his way back to Cleveland a week later when they had a need.
Well…the need was met.
Burris went on to start 9 of the 14 games he played for Cleveland in 2019, tallying 32 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss. His overall grade of 69.4 by ProFootballFocus last season was a solid score for his first year as a starter. Burris ranked 28th out of all the Safeties in the NFL in Run Defense (72.8) and 34th in tackling (77.4).
This Sunday, Burris will be suiting up for the Panthers, after signing a 2-year $8 million contract with Carolina this offseason.
Not only does Burris have a starting job at Strong Safety with the Panthers. Not only did he earn a payday. He’s also back in his home state, playing High School football right down the road at Broughton High School in Raleigh.
Panthers Head Coach Matt Rhule has spoken glowingly about the addition of Burris.
“I’d say one of the unsung heroes of camp, one of the guys we signed and I thought he was going to be good, but I just love his work ethic and attention to detail, is Juston Burris,” Rhule said Saturday. “He’s exactly the type of guy I want to build this thing around.”
“He plays really loudly. He doesn’t talk, though, really loudly. He plays really loudly. He plays on special teams. He doesn’t complain,” Rhule said. “(H) e’s been one of the guys this camp that you say to yourself, we’ve got to keep this guy out here and really let him have an effect on the entire franchise.” (NFL)