Oren Burks will remain in the NFC for 2024, but for the second time in his career he is set to join a new team. The veteran linebacker and special teamer has agreed to a one-year deal with a maximum value of $2.5M, as first reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Burks, 28, began his career with the Packers, playing four seasons with the franchise. He was primarily used on special teams over that span, although he logged four starts as a rookie and three in his final year in Green Bay. Upon the conclusion of his rookie contract, Burks joined the 49ers on a two-year, $5M deal.
The former third-rounder was still a third phase mainstay during his debut campaign in San Francisco with a special teams snap share of 77%. However, he started three games that season and saw that figure rise to five in 2023. Burks logged 326 defensive snaps last season, by far the most of his career. He parlayed that added playing time into a new career-high in tackles (46) and sacks (one) while also recording his first career interception.
San Francisco could be without Dre Greenlaw to start the 2024 campaign after he suffered an Achilles tear during the Super Bowl. The 49ers have responded by adding De’Vondre Campbell on a one-year contract and retaining Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles on a one-year pact of his own. The latter has seen sparse usage on defense to date, but Burks’ departure could open the door to a rotational role next season.
Philadelphia’s linebacker play left plenty to be desire last year, so it comes as no surprise the team has made multiple moves in the early days of free agency aimed at adding starting-caliber options. Fellow addition Devin White will likely be in line for a larger workload on defense, but Burks proved a capability to handle at least part-time duties last season. His special teams abilities will, at a minimum, allow him to carve out a role with the Eagles.
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