Oren Burks, a former 49ers player, is reportedly being signed by the Eagles as another linebacker this summer.
Although this is a team-friendly contract with a potential value of $2.5 million, the fact that he was such a valuable addition to the special teams makes the signing worthwhile. In the first preseason game, wide receiver Shaun Bradley, the Eagles’ special teams captain, was lost for the 2023 season. As a free agent, Philly must find a replacement for Bradley.
Burks’ two years of postseason experience are additional benefits. Head coach Nick Sirianni has talked about the value of having people in the locker room who have attended big games like conference finals and Super Bowls.
After being selected by the Packers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Burks spent four years playing in Green Bay before agreeing to a two-year deal with San Francisco. Although he has primarily been a special teams player, he did have a career-high 326 defensive snaps for the 49ers in the previous season.
Although his role may not make his stats particularly noteworthy, that doesn’t mean he can’t have an impact. He has totaled 176 tackles in his career, along with 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 2 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries.
