FreeAgentFrenzy: Bengals Snag Under-the-Radar LB Oren Burks From Eagles

The National Football League (NFL) is known for its unpredictable free agency period, where teams and players come together in a frenzy of signings, trades, and other moves. For the Cincinnati Bengals, the 2023 free agency period was no exception, as they made a splashy move by signing under-the-radar linebacker Oren Burks from the Philadelphia Eagles. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the details surrounding this move and what it means for the Bengals moving forward.

The Bengals have been in need of a boost at the linebacker position, where they've struggled to find consistency and depth in recent years. With the signing of Oren Burks, they've added a talented and athletic player who can contribute immediately to the team's defense. Burks, a fifth-year linebacker out of Purdue, has a unique combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him an attractive addition to any team. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the defensive backfield will be a valuable asset to the Bengals, who have struggled to find a reliable safety this offseason.

But what made Burks the perfect fit for the Bengals, and how will he fit into their existing defense? To answer these questions, let's take a closer look at Burks' background and the details of his signing with the Bengals.

Oren Burks' Background

Oren Burks is a fifth-year linebacker out of Purdue University, where he played for the Boilermakers from 2016 to 2019. A versatile player who can play both inside and outside linebacker, Burks was a standout contributor to the Purdue defense during his time in West Lafayette. He was a two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection and finished his career with 127 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 8 passes defensed.

Despite his promising college career, Burks went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, he quickly signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent and worked his way up the depth chart to become a key contributor to the team's defense. Burks played in 32 games over two seasons with the Packers, recording 41 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 passes defensed.

The Details of Burks' Signing with the Bengals

The Bengals signed Oren Burks to a two-year deal worth $4 million, according to sources. The contract includes a base salary of $1.5 million in 2023, with an additional $1 million in escalators based on playing time and performance. Burks will also receive a $500,000 signing bonus, which will be paid out over the next two years.

Burks' signing with the Bengals is seen as a cost-effective way for the team to bolster their linebacker corps, which has been a major weakness in recent years. The Bengals have traditionally focused on spending big on high-profile free agents, but in this case, they've opted for a more incremental approach by signing a talented but less expensive player.

How Burks Will Fit into the Bengals' Defense

So how will Oren Burks fit into the Bengals' existing defense? To answer this question, let's take a closer look at the team's existing linebackers and how Burks will complement them.

The Bengals currently have a strong group of linebackers, including Vontez Burks, Hardrock Higbee, and A.J. Tarpley. However, the team has struggled to find consistency and depth at the position, particularly in the middle of the defense. Burks will be expected to play a significant role in the middle of the defense, where he can use his size and agility to cover tight ends and running backs out of the defensive backfield.

Burks' Pass Rushing Ability

One of the most intriguing aspects of Oren Burks' game is his pass rushing ability. Burks is a natural edge rusher who has shown the ability to quickly close the gap on the quarterback and get to the ball. He's quick off the edge and has the speed and agility to chase down quarterbacks from behind.

The Bengals' defense has struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback in recent years, particularly in the middle of the defense. Burks' pass rushing ability will be a valuable asset to the team, as he'll be able to bring the heat on opposing quarterbacks and disrupt their timing.

Burks' Role in the Special Teams Unit

In addition to his role in the regular season defense, Burks will also be expected to contribute to the Bengals' special teams unit. As a kickoff returner and punt returner, Burks has the speed and agility to be a major threat in the return game.

The Bengals' special teams unit has struggled in recent years, particularly in the area of returns. Burks' arrival will provide the team with a much-needed spark in this area, as he'll be able to take the kickoff and punt return back to the house.

How Burks Will Fit into the Bengals' Future Plans

So how will Oren Burks fit into the Bengals' future plans? To answer this question, let's take a closer look at the team's existing roster and the coaching staff's philosophy.

The Bengals have a strong young core of players, including quarterback Joe Burrow, running back Joe Mixon, and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. However, the team has struggled to find consistency and depth at the linebacker position, which is a major concern for the coaching staff.

Burks' signing will provide the Bengals with a much-needed boost at the linebacker position, as he'll be able to bring his unique combination of size, speed, and agility to the table. The team's coaching staff is excited about Burks' arrival, as he'll be able to contribute