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49ers Head Coach Deeply Regrets Letting This Linebacker Walk to the Eagles as a Free Agent. Now Wants Him Back After Seeing His Training Camp Dominance

49ers Head Coach Deeply Regrets Letting This Linebacker Walk to the Eagles as a Free Agent. Now Wants Him Back After Seeing His Training Camp Dominance

When Oren Burks quietly left the San Francisco 49ers to join the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent this offseason, few people noticed. No headlines. No fanfare. Just another depth move — or so everyone thought.

But just weeks into Eagles training camp, Burks is rewriting that narrative. And suddenly, he’s becoming one of the most talked-about names in Philly. His explosive bursts, elite instincts, and surprising leadership have turned heads — not just in Philadelphia, but back in San Francisco too.

Sources close to the 49ers reveal that head coach Kyle Shanahan is “kicking himself” after watching recent footage of Burks dominating in midnight green. “That’s not the same Burks we had... he looks like a starter over there,” one 49ers staffer reportedly admitted.

And it’s true — with Nakobe Dean still stuck on the PUP list, Burks is quickly emerging as a top candidate to fill that starting linebacker spot. Something has changed. Maybe it's the defensive scheme, maybe it’s the coaching — or maybe it’s just finally his time. Whatever it is, the Eagles seem to be unlocking a version of Oren Burks that San Francisco never saw.

Now, the twist? Insiders suggest that the 49ers have quietly made inquiries about bringing Burks back — at a price far higher than what they let him go for.

From a forgotten rotational piece to a potential starter and breakout star in Philadelphia, Oren Burks may just become the biggest free-agent steal of the 2025 offseason — and the 49ers may have just handed him to a top NFC rival on a silver platter.

Sometimes, the ones you let go come back to haunt you. For Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers, that day might be coming sooner than they think.

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Roster Move: Right after the injury of DT Milton Williams, the Patriots immediately signed the former Chiefs star to the practice squad to strengthen the defensive depth ahead of the showdown with the Bengals
Foxborough, Massachusetts – November 19, 2025 Immediately after the news that defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered a long-term injury and will be sidelined, the New England Patriots made an urgent roster move to reinforce their defensive line. The team officially announced the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. to the practice squad. This decision comes just days before the Patriots begin their preparation week for a massive showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team known for its powerful interior offensive attack. Lovett is a familiar name to scouts after his college career at Mississippi State and Florida State before joining the Chiefs in 2024. He brings an impressive frame, excellent run-stopping ability, and standout hand strength. Although he has not yet had many opportunities to play in the NFL, Patriots evaluators believe Lovett can become a perfect fit in head coach Mike Vrabel’s defensive system if properly developed. The addition of Lovett is viewed as a necessary step as the Patriots face a serious depth shortage on the interior defensive line, with Williams out and several other key players still not fully healthy. Adding depth at defensive tackle has been deemed absolutely critical ahead of facing the Bengals, who consistently attack the middle of the defense. Foxborough is therefore hopeful that Lovett will integrate quickly and become a reliable rotational option. In his first media availability, Fabien Lovett Sr. showed determination and gratitude for the opportunity the Patriots have given him: “I’m going to give everything I have every single day — every practice, every snap. I want to prove to Coach Vrabel that I deserve a spot in the Patriots ranks. This is an opportunity and I’m not going to waste it.” The straightforward statement left a strong impression on reporters at Gillette. Despite currently being only a practice-squad signing, Lovett is projected to have a fast track to the active roster if he performs well. The current situation is forcing the Patriots to stay flexible and ready to give chances to players with the right attitude. With clear determination and motivation, Lovett is expected to become a surprise contributor that helps the New England defense stand firm against the major challenge named the Cincinnati Bengals.