Key Stat Shows How Valuable New Bengals Linebacker Oren Burks Could be in Al Golden's Defense

The Bengals are hoping to be much improved on defense this season.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) catches a deflected pass as Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) and Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Oren Burks (42) attempt to stop him in the second half of the NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Green Bay Packers defeated Cincinnati Bengals 25-22 in overtime. Green Bay Packers At Cincinnati Bengals 62 / Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are signing veteran linebacker Oren Burks to a two-year, $5 million contract.

Burks slides into a key role for Cincinnati—both on defense and special teams.

With Akeem Davis-Gaither signing with the Cardinals, the Bengals are banking on Burks to fill that void.

The good news is he has done one thing really well: tackle. Burks has three missed total tackles over the past three seasons according to Pro Football Reference.

The Bengals were one of the worst tackling teams in the NFL last season.

Burks spent last season in Philadelphia where he had 41 tackles in 17 games. He turns 30 on March 21.

The veteran was picked in the third round (88th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played for the Packers for four seasons, before spending two years in San Francisco.

He's appeared in 108 career games in seven NFL seasons.

Burks signed with the Eagles last year and helped fill the void on defense when Nakobe Dean was injured. Burks has plenty of special teams experience and may end up being Akeem Davis-Gaither's replacement on the roster due to his versatility.

If the Bengals simply became a better tackling team, they'd be much improved on defense this season.

For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon. 

Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Sam Hubbard is Retiring

NFL Draft Film Breakdown: Is Armand Membou Ideal Fit in Cincinnati Bengals' Quest to Protect Joe Burrow?

Stat of the Jay: Who Holds the NFL Record For Most Sacks After Age 30, and Who Holds the Bengals' Mark?

Cincinnati Bengals Make Another Addition to Coaching Staff, Hiring Sean Desai as Senior Defensive Assistant

Cincinnati Bengals Tagged Tee Higgins: What's Next for the Star Wide Receiver?

'There's A Real Framework To Work Off Of' - Duke Tobin Dives Into Bengals Desire to Extend Ja'Marr Chase

Duke Tobin on Trey Hendrickson's Future With Bengals: 'He Has Earned a Pay Raise'

What Erick All's Injury Means for Bengals' Plans at Tight End in Free Agency and 2025 NFL Draft

Sources: Bengals Players 'Excited' About Defensive Coordinator Al Golden and Revamped Coaching Staff

Report: Arrests Made in Possible Relation to Joe Burrow Home Robbery

'He's an Expert Pass Pro Technician' - NFL World Reacts to Bengals New O-Line Coach Scott Peters

Former Bengals Coach Lou Anarumo Named Colts Defensive Coordinator

Legendary Bengals Coach Jim McNally Praises Offensive Line Hiring of Scott Peters

From Practice Squads to MMA to Cleveland and New England, Scott Peters' Journey Continues as Bengals O-Line Coach

Simple Quote Explains Bengals' Decision to Make Latest O-Line Coach Addition in Quest to Protect Joe Burrow

Bengals Fun Fact: Trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Cade York Finish 20-0

ESPN's Ben Solak Predicts Bengals Trade For Falcons Star Tight End Kyle Pitts

Related: Joe Burrow Sends ANOTHER Message to Bengals' Front Office

Cincinnati Bengals List of 2025 Opponents Finalized Ahead of Week 18 Season Finale

Best Player in Football: Joe Burrow Gets Ringing Endorsement for MVP Following Clutch Performance vs Denver Broncos

In Depth Look at Joe Burrow’s Case for NFL MVP Following Bengals’ Win Streak

'Sometime You Eat A S*** Sandwich' - Broncos CB Riley Moss Sums Up Outing Against Bengals, Tee Higgins

Playing on One Leg: Orlando Brown Jr. Shares Details of Broken Leg, His Ability to Play Through the Pain

Watch: Zac Taylor Tosses Out Game Balls Following Bengals’ Win Over Broncos in OT

Bengals WR Tee Higgins Talks Emotions, Gratitude and Mistakes After What Could Be His Final Home Game with Team

Listen: Radio Call of Tee Higgins’ Game-Winning Touchdown in Bengals’ Win Over Broncos

Ja’Marr Chase Breaks Another Bengals Record, Becomes All-Time Leader for Receptions in a Season

-----

Join the 53,000+ Bengals fans that subscribe to us on YouTube.

Follow us on Twitter: @BengalsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok