The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, and now are in danger of being eliminated from playoff contention soon.
But things aren't over yet for their playoff hopes this season. For one Bengals player, the same cannot be said. Jermaine Burton was suspended for Week 14 after being a healthy scratch all year, bringing his future in Cincinnati into question.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport answered that question the day after the Bengals' Week 14 loss. According to Rapoport, the Bengals are cutting ties with Burton, as the third-round pick from the 2024 draft didn't pan out in Cincinnati.
Bengals cut ties with Jermaine Burton after Week 14 suspension
"The Bengals are releasing WR Jermaine Burton, who was suspended for Sunday's game," Rapoport reports. "A final straw for Cincy, as Burton now heads to waivers. Fresh start for both sides."
Burton was selected 80th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and a little over a year and a half later, the Bengals have released the wide receiver from Georgia and Alabama.
He never suited up for the Bengals this season, only playing in 2024. In his 14 games last season, Burton caught just four of his 14 targets for 107 yards and no touchdowns.
More: Bengals suspend 2024 third-round WR for Week 14 matchup vs. Bills
Despite being a productive receiver in college, recording 789 yards and eight touchdowns on 39 receptions in 2023 with Alabama, Burton never amounted to that potential in Cincinnati.
Burton's selection was a complete bust for the Bengals, and while he could turn his career around with a new team, the 24-year-old has a ways to go to get back on the field and be a big contributor.
This move, coinciding with Higgins entering concussion protocol, shows just how bad things got between Burton and the Bengals. Cincinnati is moving forward with different plans, as Burton now becomes a free agent after a year and a half with the Bengals.
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