Burks signed a one-year deal with the Eagles last offseason and saw the bulk of his regular season snaps on special teams. However, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes, Burks stepped into a starting role during the postseason and thrived. He totaled three TFLs, two forced fumbles, and one sack across three postseason starts plus a fourth appearance. The move to Cincy will give him a starting role for the first time in his career after filling depth roles for the Packers, 49ers, and Eagles.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports Burks can earn up to $2.5 million on this deal. The six-year vet has spent the last two seasons with the 49ers, starting nine games on defense while playing on 482 defensive snaps. Used more as a special teams ace, Burks will most likely be more relied on for his special teams prowess next season, but is capable of starting in a pinch of needed.

Burks played four seasons with the Packers, serving as a spot starter and a special teams player. He's a depth addition to San Francisco's defense. 

The 2018 third-round pick missed the first four weeks of the season with a partially torn left pectoral, but he returned for Week 5 and played a minor defensive role the rest of the season. Green Bay's top inside linebackers -- Blake Martinez and B.J. Goodson -- are both poised to hit free agency in March, leaving Burks, Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton (knee) as the remaining players at the position. Burks could enter training camp with a heavily increased role with a strong offseason, but the Packers likely will make outside additions to the position group, whether it be via the draft or free agency.