COMPLETE DEAL: Burks joined the 49ers on a two-year, $50 million deal…

The 28-year-old Burks spent his first four seasons as a player with the Packers. During that time, he saw most of his action on special teams, despite making four starts as a rookie and three in his last season with Green Bay. After his rookie contract expired, Burks signed a two-year, $5MM contract with the 49ers.

With a 77% snap share on special teams, the former third-round pick was nonetheless a third phase mainstay in his first season in San Francisco. But that season, he started three games, and in 2023, that number increased to five. Last season, Burks played 326 defensive snaps.

the majority of his career by far. He recorded his first career interception and set a new career high in tackles (46), sacks (one), and playing time thanks to that extra playing time.

Dre Greenlaw may miss the entirety of the 2024 season for San Francisco due to an Achilles tear sustained during the Super Bowl. In response, the 49ers signed Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles to a one-year deal and added De’Vondre Campbell to their roster. Although the latter hasn’t played much defense thus far, Burks’ exit may allow him to play in a rotation next year.

It’s hardly surprising that Philadelphia has made several moves in the first few days of free agency with the goal of adding starting-caliber alternatives, given that the linebacker play on the team last season left much to be desired. Devin White, a fellow acquisition, will probably see more defensive work, although Burks showed last season that he could handle at least part-time responsibilities. At the very least, his special teams skills will enable him to establish himself with the Eagles.