The Cincinnati Bengals have officially signed veteran linebacker Oren Burks to a two-year contract, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Burks has spent seven seasons in the NFL, splitting his career thus far between the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and Philadelphia Eagles. At the moment, Burks seems slated to enter training camp as the leading candidate to be the Bengals top SAM linebacker.

Burks joined the Niners in free agency prior to the 2022 season, inking a three-year deal as one of several additions angled at revamping San Francisco’s special teams unit. Burks recorded 84 tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two passes defended, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovered in his two years with the team.

Following last season, Burks was released by the 49ers and landed a one-year contract with the Eagles. Burks filled a similar role in Philly, serving as a key special teamer and rotation linebacker. As injuries depleted the Eagles’ linebacking corp, however, Burks was asked to take on a more prominent role in the postseason. Burks rose to the moment, starting three of the Eagles four playoff games while racking up 25 tackles alongside several big plays. Burks forced two fumbles and made three tackles for loss in Philly’s championship run.