The Green Bay Packers have a concerning track record of letting underperforming defensive players leave in free agency, only for them to step up in a huge way for their new team.
It happened when the Packers let Micah Hyde walk. The same was true with Casey Hayward. They both became All-Pros for their new teams while Green Bay's secondary struggled.
Oren Burks was rarely used on defense during his four-year stay in Green Bay, with most of his work coming on special teams. The Packers moved on when his rookie deal expired.
Burks has already hurt the Packers in this year's playoffs. It was his hit on Keisean Nixon's opening kickoff that resulted in a fumble and controversial turnover.
The NFL later fined Burks, a clear sign that it should've been a penalty, but it didn't help the Packers when they needed it. After spending a couple of seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Burks is now playing a vital role for the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, and he is on track to make his second straight Super Bowl.
Oren Burks is proving the Packers wrong with excellent performance in NFC Championship Game
Packers fans are left wondering: Where was this version of Burks while he played in Green Bay?
He has made two huge plays for the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. The former third-rounder came up with a big sack on Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels late in the first quarter.
Burks then saved his best play for a key moment. With the Commanders attempting to cut an 11-point deficit, the former Packers linebacker punched the ball out for a fumble on Austin Ekeler.
BIG BANG BAUN BURKS 😤@zackbizzaun | @BangTimeBurks pic.twitter.com/MqTKfrTkE9
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 26, 2025
The turnover led to an Eagles touchdown that effectively finished the game.
It's now Burks' second forced fumble of the postseason. He had two total during his four-year Packers career.
Green Bay has rebuilt its linebacker room around Edgerrin Cooper, who is a rising star. And let's be honest: Burks is hardly having an All-Pro season. He is stepping into the starting lineup to cover for Nakobe Dean.
Still, Packers fans are left wondering where this level of play was during the first four years of his career.