Return For Burks?

PHILADELPHIA – A tenacious, punishing Eagles defense punctuated a banner 2024 season with a masterclass performance against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, extinguishing Kansas City’s attempt at a three-peat.

Many components contributed to the season-long defensive dominance, predominately highlighted by the team’s young nucleus.

And needless to say, veteran coordinator Vic Fangio – in what was one of the finest coaching performance ever by an assistant coach in the Super Bowl – deserves a heap of praise.

But someone who deserves to be known as more than just a footnote among a plethora of storylines is linebacker Oren Burks, who replaced defensive heartbeat and green dot-wearer Nakobe Dean.

GETTY IMAGES: LB Oren Burks filled Nakobe Dean’s injury void without missing a beat.

Burks was initially pressed into service during the Eagles’ wild card win over the Green Bay Packers.

Starting the final three postseason contests, Burks fulfilled a critical role and turned in a strong postseason showing, accumulating 25 combined tackles (three for loss), two forced fumbles, a sack (two QB hits) and a pass defended across 230 snaps.

A stabilizing veteran presence on a full-tilt unit, Burks played alongside Zack Baun and served as the glue.

Signed to a one-year deal in March, Burks’ Eagles tenure got off to a rocky start, as he sustained a knee injury on the first day of training camp.

The veteran eventually made up for lost time, largely serving a core special teamer, while also being a source of insight and knowledge for his fellow linebackers.

It was apparent early how much respect teammates had for the consummate pro in Burks.

With Burks again set to hit the open market next month, the Super Bowl champion outlined some of the criteria he seeks from prospective teams, including a winning culture.

“Once you kind of get used to it, it’s hard to go back to anything else,” he said. “Obviously, at Vandy [Vanderbilt], we played in some Bowl games, but didn’t have the best seasons.

“For me, it’s finding somewhere that’s a great fit for me. Somewhere I could add value, great locker room, are things I’m gonna be looking for. Obviously, a lot of moving pieces here, but we’ll see what happens.”

The 29-year-old said he hadn’t given much thought about his preference for a multi-year deal, citing the many moving pieces.

Adamant about staying in the moment, Burks said he’s looking forward to returning home to Nashville to spend time with his family and beamed at the notion of spending more time with his 8-month-old daughter.

After reflection, though, Burks plans to talk to his agent and family to assess his best situation.

While Dean continues to rehab from a torn patellar tendon, there’s a strong argument that the Eagles should retain Burks, who performed admirably alongside Baun, knows Fangio’s system and naturally fit into the close-knit culture enforced by head coach Nick Sirianni.

Further supporting Burks’ return is that Dean’s recovery is expected to linger into the regular season.

The Eagles also happen to be relatively thin at the position.

“There’s been a little bit of talks,” Burks said. “But everybody is kind of taking in the moment. Those more serious conversations will happen as we get closer to free agency.

“Just right now, being present in the moment and being appreciative for the journey, the Super Bowl win. That’s something nobody is ever going to be able to take away from me.”

There’s something to be said about betting on yourself and preparing for any opportunity that comes.

Burks, who accepted a one-year deal to prove himself, answered the bell when his number was called and performed commendably – so much that the Eagles’ defense didn’t miss a beat when he replaced Dean.

Burks, at the time of locker clean-out, hadn’t had much time to reflect on the season, as he was still basking in the glow of the Super Bowl win and anticipating the victory parade.

But he did take a moment to appreciate the winding path, beginning with his injury and being released during roster cutdowns, but ending with him hoisting a Lombardi Trophy.

“I’m just super proud of myself and the support system I have around me and the faith in God that I have,” he said. “And just being able to see through all that, being able to keep my head right and just be ready when the opportunity came up. And when the team needed me, I was there.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.