5 San Francisco 49ers players who may follow Steve Wilks out the door
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Linebacker Oren Burks
The Niners inked linebacker Oren Burks as a free agent in 2022 to shore up special teams, but he became the de facto No. 3 option on the starting depth chart behind Dre Greenlaw and All-Pro Fred Warner for much of the season.
When Greenlaw suffered a devastating Achilles tear during the Super Bowl, it was Burks who was tasked with filling in.
And, wow, did the Chiefs take advantage:
Once Dre Greenlaw went down, Oren Burks filled in for him. Here’s how he did in coverage:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) February 12, 2024
• 9 targets
• 9 catches allowed
• 1 touchdown
• 134.7 passer rating when targeted
• 32.1 PFF coverage grade pic.twitter.com/UKjwtqeFpt
A free agent to be in 2024, Burks could potentially be a re-sign candidate this offseason if the team feels as if Greenlaw's recovery is going to be long and arduous.
However, it seems more likely that San Francisco takes into account just how much Burks struggled on the defensive side of the ball in the Super Bowl, and that will factor heavily into the 49ers' decision.
Expect Burks to walk.