Michael Burton has a new team to put first.
One day after he was cut by the Detroit Lions, the former Rutgers co-captain and the prototypical team-first player was picked up off waivers Wednesday by the Chicago Bears, NJ Advance Media has confirmed.
NFL teams had until 4 p.m. Wednesday to put in a claim for Burton. If multiple teams did, a tie was broken based on waiver priority. If none did, he would've reached free agency.
The Bears were No. 3 on the waiver order.
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Burton was picked by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft and graded out as the No. 3 fullback in the league as a rookie, according to Pro Football Focus. He was primarily used as a blocker.
But he played a diminished role last season as the Lions phased out the fullback. The recent signing of free agent Matt Asiata -- a power halfback who can serve as a lead blocker when needed -- spelled the end of Burton's tenure in Detroit.
But Burton isn't traveling far, staying in the NFC North Division, where he will be reunited with former Rutgers teammate Marcus Cooper. The cornerback signed a three-year, $16 million contract to leave the Arizona Cardinals earlier this offseason and quickly became a fan favorite.
Former Rutgers offensive coordinator Ben McDaniels -- who coached the wide receivers during Burton's redshirt senior season in 2014 -- is an offensive assistant with the Bears.
Bears running backs coach Curtis Modkins and offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn were with the Lions during Burton's rookie season.
The Bears, who went away from the fullback in 2015 but brought it back in 2016, only have one fullback on the roster -- undrafted rookie free agent Freddie Stevenson out of Florida State.
ESPN's Field Yates was first to report Burton to the Bears.
Burton, a West Morris High School graduate, also seemed to make sense for the Giants, who were No. 23 on the waiver priority order. He had 10 career touches with the Lions, including a touchdown reception.
Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at
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