Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Oren Burks signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was a third-round draft pick by the Packers in 2018 and spent four seasons with them, two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, and one season with the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles.
He has played in 108 regular-season games with 17 starts, totaling 161 tackles, eight tackles for losses, two sacks, three pass deflections, and one interception. Burks also has played in 15 career postseason games with four starts and recorded 36 tackles, three tackles for losses, one sack, one pass deflection, and two forced fumbles.
Oren Burks Being a Key Contributor for Philadelphia
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Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Oren Burks (42) causes a fumble on Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) for the opening kick off during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
He played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win, recording five tackles against the Chiefs. His knack for big plays—like forcing fumbles in the NFC Championship and Wild Card games—adds grit to Cincy’s defense.
He played well late in the season and stepped up just as much after the team lost Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean to injury during the wild card round vs. the Packers. From that point on, he ended up playing every starter’s snap, and overall, he had four forced fumbles, a sack, and many other impact plays.
Oren Burks Playing for Vanderbilt
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Nov 4, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; WKU Hilltoppers quarterback Mike White (14) is sacked by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Oren Burks (20) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Burks also shone at Vanderbilt, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors with two picks in a game. This was a solid depth signing for a Bengals squad hungry to contend.
Burks adds valuable versatility to the Bengals’ linebacker corps with his two-year, five-million-dollar contract. While not a marquee signing, he has the potential to be an important asset in their defensive lineup.
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Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Oren Burks (42) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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