(03-11-2025, 03:14 AM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Weird signing. 30-year-old career backup LB? 

That seems like the type of guy who you sign in like Week 3 of FA, for barely over vet minimum, not Day 1 of the tampering period for more than twice the vet minimum.

Akeem Davis-Gaither was signed for almost double about the same time so I assume it was reactionary. 

(03-11-2025, 08:58 AM)Synric Wrote: Akeem Davis-Gaither was signed for almost double about the same time so I assume it was reactionary. 

Fair.

It's not like I dislike the signing, either. Just thought it was a weird one to have Day 1 priority to do. Lol

(03-11-2025, 09:15 AM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Fair.

It's not like I dislike the signing, either. Just thought it was a weird one to have Day 1 priority to do. Lol

It's an ok move. The guy is soon to be 30 years old. It's not like he's some 24 year old backup ready to burst onto the scene.

He did play on the Eagles which has an amazing defensive line. I'm sure LB's benefit from that.

I'm sure they wanted a low cost guy that could come in and start. Probably not too many of those guys out there.

Should bolster our special teams.

Think it’s a solid signing outside of Wilson we basically have no linebackers with Pratt in limbo. Lou used a lot of 5 man fronts vs heavy formations . I’ve heard Golden likes 4 man fronts with 3 backers so we need bodies there.

(03-11-2025, 09:23 AM)THE PISTONS Wrote: It's an ok move. The guy is soon to be 30 years old. It's not like he's some 24 year old backup ready to burst onto the scene.

He did play on the Eagles which has an amazing defensive line. I'm sure LB's benefit from that.

I'm sure they wanted a low cost guy that could come in and start. Probably not too many of those guys out there.

Burks also played well as a backup in Green Bay and San Francisco too. He's a good add as the rotational 43WILL/Backup MIKE.


The Bengals seem to have their eyes on a SAM/JACK hybrid in this draft class with guys like Collin Oliver and Ty Wise. 

(03-10-2025, 08:17 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I remember liking Oren Burks coming out of Vandy back in 2018, but I hadn't really seen his name much since then.
Fine depth pickup I guess. We'll see if he gets a more prominent role in Golden's defense.

Liked Oren Burks myself at Vanderbilt.

Think he can be more than depth. He got some valuable starts with the #1 Defense in the NFL that won the Super Bowl. He came 
in when a starter went down in the Playoffs and really shined to me and the grades actually back this up.

Burks has had a lot of talent in front of him on 2 of the best LB cores in the NFL.

(03-10-2025, 08:17 PM)Synric Wrote: I was a Oren Burks fan when he was coming out of Vandy. Converted safety that needed a couple years to get bigger and reps at LB. He got some playing time in San Francisco and Philadelphia but was playing behind some of the leagues best. Another solid piece rotational guy/backup so honestly he still doesn't move the needle much. They are starting to fill out the roster though I guess...



Edit: ADG was just signed by the Cards for double Burks contract. Definitely a small win for the Bengals here.

Well said Synric. These converted Safeties that turn into LB's can be the best. Logan is another one if he could just get the injury bug off 
his back. Kind of sad to lose ADG as I thought he would fit well in Golden's Defense as a pass rusher. Think we wasted his talent here using
him as a cover backer which he never was.

Burks played very well last season when he was moved into the starting lineup due to injury. He also has been asure tackler his whole career. Good pickup.

(03-11-2025, 01:24 PM)Joelist Wrote: Burks played very well last season when he was moved into the starting lineup due to injury. He also has been asure tackler his whole career. Good pickup.

He balled out in the POs on starters snaps and played well for Philly in a limited role prior. Has big game experience. 

Being wary of him because ofcthe supporting cast and the linited snaps is wise. But Williams just got paid $26 mil and the same could be said of him. Sweat too to a lesser degree. 

I'd rather have Burks at 2/5 than ADG at 2/11.

(03-11-2025, 01:45 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: He balled out in the POs on starters snaps and played well for Philly in a limited role prior. Has big game experience. 

Being wary of him because ofcthe supporting cast and the linited snaps is wise. But Williams just got paid $26 mil and the same could be said of him. Sweat too to a lesser degree. 

I'd rather have Burks at 2/5 than ADG at 2/11.

Plus I think Oren is on the upside of his career. Not so sure with ADG.

Who knows here. James Harrison, different type of LB, didn’t break out until his age 29 season. This guy was dominant in the playoffs and the Eagles fans are not happy to see him go. Like Vic Fangio, Al Golden started as a LB coach, so there is that parallel where maybe they see something in him others don’t.

Most likely backup, but it could happen.

(03-12-2025, 09:02 AM)Bengalbug Wrote: Who knows here.  James Harrison, different type of LB, didn’t break out until his age 29 season.

Banks isn't getting paid enough to really determine what this signing means however don't forget the great post season run from Nick Scott and how that turned out...

(03-11-2025, 09:15 AM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Fair.

It's not like I dislike the signing, either. Just thought it was a weird one to have Day 1 priority to do. Lol

I’d guess a small deal like that is much easier to close than a multi year contract with big guarantees when you’re negotiating how to structure it. It might also have been someone like Steven Radicevic who did it whilst Duke and the Browns and Blackburns concentrated on the big ticket stuff.

Showing some love on day 1 might have been what swung it. Never hurts to make someone feel wanted.

I like the move. Should improve Special Teams at the very least. The same is hopefully true of Perine (although I don’t know if he’s still the same player).