The Raiders have signed linebacker Vontaze Burfict to a one-year, $5 million deal. Will he help the Oakland defense?
The Oakland Raiders have a new middle linebacker coming there way, as they have signed veteran linebacker Vontaze Burfict to a one-year deal worth $5 million including incentives.
It’s a 1-year worth roughly $5M including incentives. https://t.co/FRdowe8DYP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2019
In his career, Burfict has totaled over 600 tackles and five interceptions with the Cincinnati Bengals. Last season, Burfict only played in seven games due to a hip injury, concussion issues, and suspension.
Burfict will reunite with defensive coordinator Paul Guenther in Oakland. He had some of his best seasons with Guenther coaching the defense, especially in 2013 when he totaled 177 tackles and made the Pro Bowl.
This can be a good signing for the Raiders. A one-year prove it deal could give Burfict the incentive to stay out of trouble because if he performs poorly there is no guarantee another contract will come his way next offseason.
The Raiders have had a need for a middle linebacker for a long time now. If Burfict can play within the rules and stay out of trouble with the league office then he can help the team out a lot. The fiery linebacker brings a toughness to a defense that has been soft the past couple years and he is familiar with Guenther’s system.
Now it’s time to see if Burfict has matured and if Guenther can resurrect his career.
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