Quick Read
- The Bengals waived Jermaine Burton, their 2024 third-round draft pick, on December 8, 2025.
- Burton played 14 games in his rookie season but was inactive all year in 2025.
- He struggled with attendance, was suspended before the Bills game, and often clashed with coaches.
- Veteran teammates tried to mentor him, but persistent off-field issues led to his release.
- Coach Zac Taylor expressed hope that a change of scenery would benefit Burton.
Jermaine Burton’s Sudden Release: How the Bengals’ Gamble Unraveled
On December 8, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals made headlines by waiving Jermaine Burton, their 2024 third-round pick. It was a move that surprised some, but for those following the young receiver’s journey, the writing had been on the wall for months. Burton’s NFL career in Cincinnati began with promise but ended with more questions than answers, reflecting the unpredictable nature of player development in professional football.
From Alabama Standout to NFL Struggles
Jermaine Burton arrived in Cincinnati with the kind of pedigree that usually excites coaches and fans alike. Drafted out of Alabama—a powerhouse that routinely sends top talent to the NFL—Burton was expected to bolster a receiving corps already featuring stars like Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. The hope was that Burton’s speed and versatility would add a new dimension to the Bengals’ passing attack.
Instead, Burton’s rookie year was marked by limited playing time and missed opportunities. He appeared in 14 games, but caught just four passes for 107 yards—a far cry from the impact expected of a third-round selection. Even more telling were his struggles off the field: Burton was frequently late for meetings, practices, and walkthroughs. These lapses in professionalism quickly became a concern within the locker room and among the coaching staff.
Locker Room Tensions and Missed Chances
The Bengals organization, hoping for a turnaround, gave Burton another chance in his second season. Veteran teammates, including Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, reportedly tried to mentor the young receiver, encouraging him to take advantage of the offseason program and improve his approach. Early signs were promising—Burton drew positive reviews for his initial progress, and there was talk of him finally turning a corner.
But as training camp unfolded, old habits resurfaced. Burton slipped down the depth chart, overtaken by Mitchell Tinsley, a preseason standout who seized every opportunity. Burton’s attendance issues persisted, and by Thanksgiving, an ankle injury kept him from traveling to Baltimore. The following week, he was suspended for unspecified reasons and didn’t make the trip to Buffalo for the Bengals’ clash with the Bills. Just hours before kickoff, the team officially announced his suspension, and by Monday, his release.
Coach Zac Taylor, addressing the media, declined to elaborate on the specifics behind Burton’s departure. “Going to release him and move on and wish him the best,” Taylor said, emphasizing the organization’s effort to support the player while acknowledging the need for a fresh start. “I think everybody worked really hard at it and wish him the best. Hopefully, he gets to change scenery and can do good things for him.” (New York Times Athletic)
Impact on Team Dynamics and Player Development
Burton’s exit comes at a time when the Bengals are grappling with other challenges. Injuries have thinned the roster, and locker room morale has been tested. The release of a third-round pick so soon after his arrival underscores the difficulties NFL teams face in developing talent—not just on the field, but in fostering professionalism and accountability off it.
For Burton, the journey is far from over. At just 24, he remains a physically gifted athlete who could find new life with another team. But his experience in Cincinnati serves as a cautionary tale: talent alone is rarely enough in the NFL. Consistency, reliability, and a willingness to learn are just as vital for long-term success.
The Bigger Picture: What Burton’s Release Reveals
The Bengals’ decision to move on from Burton is not merely about a player failing to meet expectations; it’s about the broader realities of professional football. Teams invest heavily in the draft, hoping to find contributors who can help them win. But when off-field issues and missed opportunities pile up, even promising prospects can find themselves out of a job.
For Cincinnati, the hope now is that the lessons learned from Burton’s tenure will inform future decisions—both in terms of scouting for character and in providing the right support systems for young players. For Burton, the next chapter will require reflection and adjustment if he wants to fulfill the potential that made him a sought-after draft pick.
The story of Jermaine Burton’s time in Cincinnati is not unique, but it is instructive. In a league where the margin for error is razor-thin, every missed meeting or practice can have outsized consequences. The Bengals, like all NFL teams, must balance patience with accountability as they build their roster and culture.
Assessment: Jermaine Burton’s release is a stark reminder that NFL success requires more than athletic ability. The Bengals gave him opportunities to mature and contribute, but repeated lapses in professionalism ultimately outweighed his potential. Moving forward, both Burton and the Bengals must take stock of what went wrong—Burton to revive his career elsewhere, and the Bengals to reinforce the importance of character and consistency in their ranks.