Linebacker Burfict eager to reunite with DC Guenther
The union of one of the most heavily fined players in the NFL with a franchise synonymous with playing to the whistle and beyond was made official Tuesday when linebacker Vontaze Burfict signed a oneyear contract with the Raiders.
The Raiders announced the signing, which was reported initially by NFL Media.
Burfict, 28, was released by the Bengals Monday. His defensive coordinator in Cincinnati was through 2017 was Paul Guenther, who now has the same position for the Raiders. In a conference call with Bay Area reporters, Burfict said the first call after learning of his release was to his mother. The second was to Guenther.
“He didn’t pick up at first. I think I called him seven times straight,” Burfict said.
Suspended in each of the last three seasons, Burfict missed the first four games of the season in 2018 for being in violation of the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. Upon his return, Burfict was hampered by a hip injury and concussions, and had only 33 tackles.
Burfict has lost more than $4 million in wages for suspensions and fines over the course of his career but has no intention of changing the way he plays.
“Football’s football,” Burfict said. “Every team plays a little bit after the whistle. It’s just a matter if the ref catches it, you know what I mean?”
Asked directly if he was a dirty player, Burfict said, “I’m not a dirty player. I play a physical position. ... If I go out there playing patty cake, then I’m going to be getting run over. I’ve got 300-pound-plus linemen coming and trying to block me. And if I play soft, then I’m not doing my job.”
Burfict has missed 37 games over the last five seasons and hasn’t played in all 16 games since 2013. He made the Pro Bowl that season. He passed his physical and said the concussions (it’s been reported he’s had as many as seven) are not a concern.
49ERS MOVES » The 49ers resigned restricted free agent running back Raheem Mostert to a three-year deal and signed punter Justin Vogel to a one-year deal.
Mostert last season rushed for 261 yards and one touchdown while catching six passes and tied for the team lead with seven tackles on special teams. Vogel was a Pro Bowl alternate with the Packers after the 2017 season but did not play last season.
The 49ers also announced Dustin Little has been named head athletic trainer. He joins the 49ers after spending more than five years with the Denver Broncos.
MURRAY MEETS WITH CARDS » Coveted quarterback Kyler Murray met with Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim and coach Kliff Kingsbury near the Oklahoma campus, the Houston Chronicle reported.
The Cardinals own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and the Oklahoma product and Heisman Trophy winner is under heavy consideration as he is viewed as a solid fit for first-year coach Kingsbury’s offense.
PANTHERS TURN TO IRVIN » The Carolina Panthers signed defensive end Bruce Irvin to a one-year contract reportedly worth up to $5 million in an effort to boost their pass rush after the retirement of Julius Peppers.
COBB’S A COWBOY » The Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver Randall Cobb agreed to terms on a one-year deal, the team announced. Cobb, 28, has been with the Green Bay Packers since they drafted him in the second round in 2011.