Eagles Land Ex-49er Defender to Improve Linebacker Corps
By Jovan Alford
The Philadelphia Eagles haven’t made a ton of splash signings at the linebacker spot in free agency despite the unit struggling in 2023.
The Eagles signed Devin White and Zach Baun earlier this week, who will provide athleticism and hopefully contribute immediately. However, Philadelphia knows they will need more at the position if they seek improvement in 2024.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Saturday that the Eagles signed former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Oren Burks to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million.
Former 49ers LB Oren Burks is signing a 1-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth up to $2.5M, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 16, 2024
Burks is a special teams standout who started 5 games in 2023 for SF.
Burks joins Baun as quality special team players, who also have some starting experience. The 28-year-old Burks played in 15 games last season for the 49ers but has five starts.
The 6-foot-3 linebacker posted career-highs across the board with 46 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, a pass deflection, and a sack. He also played 34 percent of defensive and 42 percent of special team snaps.
Burks spent the last two years with the 49ers and began his career with the Green Bay Packers, playing four seasons. The Eagles hope they will not have to lean on both guys a lot this season, as they will have White and a healthy Nakobe Dean.
Last season, Philadelphia saw that when you don’t have depth at linebacker. It will be an issue, and you will have to make late-season signings for players such as Shaquille Leonard, who might not have a lot left in the tank.
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