The Detroit Lions will look to add depth at several positions as the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaches later this month. Pass rusher and offensive line are at the top of the list, but linebacker should also be in the mix.
The Lions need another depth option behind Malcolm Rodriguez, whom the team re-signed last month, with the hopes that he can replace starter Alex Anzalone. Detroit also signed Damone Clark in free agency, who can also serve as a backup to Rodriguez or behind Jack Campbell.
However, if the Lions don’t want to put all eggs into the draft’s basket, they could explore a trade to bolster their depth. In fact, the Cincinnati Bengals would be an intriguing trade partner for the Lions, as veteran linebacker Oren Burks would be the perfect backup/spot starter behind Rodriguez.
Oren Burks Should Be on Lions’ Radar as Potential Trade Target
The 31-year-old Burks won’t move the needle for Lions fans, but he’ll give Detroit someone who can step up at a drop of the dime on defense while contributing on special teams. We’ve seen over the years how important special teams are to the Lions' success.
Burks joined Cincinnati last offseason on a small two-year, $5 million deal. Initially, the signing was viewed as the Bengals bolstering their linebacker depth. But the veteran linebacker ended up not only playing in all 17 games, but also making nine starts (career-high).
The veteran defender turned in 48 combined tackles (career-high), a pass deflection, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery across 340 defensive snaps. He did all of this while also playing 385 special teams snaps.
Burks left a lot to be desired in pass coverage this past season with the Bengals, as opposing quarterbacks completed 86.4% of their passes for 239 yards (12.1 yards per completion). The veteran linebacker also allowed a receiving touchdown and had a 127.1 passer rating when targeted.
According to Pro Football Focus, Burks' coverage grade was a 28.1, ranking dead last among 88 eligible linebackers. His run defense grade was a 50.1, which again leaves a lot to be desired.
However, as we must remember, PFF grades must be taken with a grain of salt. As for Detroit, which has a fair amount of cap space ($23.7 million, per OverTheCap), it can afford to take a gamble on Burks.
Therefore, the Lions should consider giving up a fifth or sixth-round pick for Burks. We’ve seen them make it a priority to add more than enough depth in the secondary this offseason.
Detroit should do the same at linebacker with Burks, who has become a solid special teams contributor and is familiar with the NFC North. He spent the first four years of his career with the Green Bay Packers.