Oakland Raiders: Change of scenery will benefit Vontaze Burfict

The Oakland Raiders took a chance on former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, and the change of scenery will benefit him in 2019.

The Oakland Raiders have done a nice job bolstering the defensive side of the ball this offseason, including bringing in solid players on all three levels. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther has put his fingerprint on the additions as well, as the Raiders brought in one of his former linebackers from his time with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Though Vontaze Burfict has not been a Pro Bowl player since 2013, he has made his mark in the NFL in other ways. He has been widely criticized for playing dirty, and has had his fair share of fines, and suspensions during his seven-year NFL career.

Playing under Guenther in Cincinnati, Burfict had three 100-tackle seasons, including 171 in that Pro Bowl season six years ago. Since that 2013 campaign, Burfict has not played in more than 11 games in a season, so Oakland better hope the change of scenery will be a fresh start for Burfict in 2019.

Second-year defensive tackle Maurice Hurst spoke highly of Burfict in an interview with Scott Bair, who covers the team for NBCSports Bay Area. Burfict has been impressive during OTAs, showing leadership qualities on the field, and appears to be relieved to be with only his second team of his NFL career.

The contract Burfict signed in March is for one-year, so he is definitely on a make-or-break contract with the Silver and Black. Only 28-years old, Burfict should have solid football left in him, but he will have to keep his head on straight if he is going to have the kind of impact the Raiders coaching staff is hoping he will have in 2019.

The bottom line is, Burfict wore out his welcome in Cincinnati, and coming to Oakland can only be a positive thing for him. Reuniting with Guenther should also prove to be key, as he looks to be a leader for this Raiders defense in year one in the Silver and Black.