Bengals Cut WR Jermaine Burton as Playoff Push Intensifies

The Cincinnati Bengals made a significant roster decision this week as they continue searching for stability during a turbulent playoff push. Wide receiver Jermaine Burton, a 2023 third-round pick who has struggled to stay consistently available, was released following his suspension before Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The move was confirmed by head coach Zac Taylor and reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Burton’s suspension was announced roughly 90 minutes before kickoff, adding another twist to a season marked by absences and setbacks. Although once viewed as a promising developmental piece, he has been unable to gain traction due to injuries, inconsistencies, and off-field issues. His absence in Week 13 after an ankle injury during a walk-through became an early sign that his role within the team was diminishing.

Last season offered brief glimpses of his potential — Burton appeared in 14 games — but the young receiver has yet to establish himself as a reliable contributor. His uneven availability late in consecutive seasons contributed to Cincinnati reassessing his future with the organization.

With the AFC North still wide open, the Bengals opted for clarity over patience. Burton heads to waivers in search of a fresh start, while Cincinnati turns its attention to maximizing the production from its more established playmakers.

1. Roster Decision and Its Implications

The Bengals’ release of Burton underscores their pressing need for consistency as they navigate the final stretch of the season. A player whose potential once aligned with long-term developmental plans eventually became a source of uncertainty. By moving on now, Cincinnati signals a desire to eliminate distractions during a critical playoff chase. Zac Taylor’s announcement reinforced that Burton’s suspension — described as the “final straw” — factored heavily into the decision. The timing, just before a pivotal game against Buffalo, highlighted the staff’s frustration with repeated absences and disruptions. For a team clinging to postseason hopes, availability is becoming as important as talent. Burton’s placement on waivers opens the door for another franchise to take a chance on his ability. While he hasn’t logged snaps this season, his collegiate pedigree and flashes from his rookie year may garner interest from teams with developmental bandwidth. Cincinnati, meanwhile, is choosing to streamline its receiver rotation rather than wait for unrealized upside. This roster shift also creates opportunities for depth players who have remained consistently engaged in the weekly preparation. With roles more clearly defined, the Bengals hope to stabilize their offensive rhythm during the most consequential part of their schedule.

2. Burton’s Unsettled Tenure in Cincinnati

Burton’s time with the Bengals has been marked by stops, starts, and missed momentum. His ankle injury in Week 13, suffered during a walk-through, further delayed an already uncertain return to the field. Before that, his limited involvement had raised questions about where he fit within Cincinnati’s evolving offense. Inconsistency became a recurring theme. Though he participated in 14 games as a rookie, his usage fluctuated, and he struggled to secure a long-term role behind the team’s top receivers. Coaches hoped his second season might bring growth, but absences and discipline-related issues instead pushed him further from the rotation. The suspension prior to the Bills game was particularly damaging, coming at a time when the Bengals needed full engagement from every available player. It reinforced concerns about reliability, which weigh heavily in personnel decisions during a playoff race. Ultimately, Burton’s departure reflects a mutually beneficial reset. Cincinnati clears a roster spot for players who can contribute immediately, while Burton now has the chance to reestablish himself in a new environment without the baggage of a stalled tenure.

3. Playoff Stakes and Cincinnati’s Path Forward

With Burton gone, the Bengals’ offensive hopes fall squarely on their proven stars. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins remain central to the passing attack, and the team will lean heavily on their production as the regular season winds toward its conclusion. Both receivers have dealt with injuries this year, making consistent availability critical. The AFC North remains competitive yet underwhelming, leaving the door open for a late surge. Cincinnati understands that its clearest path to the postseason likely involves capturing the division, a feat that will require both execution and health across the roster. Reducing uncertainty around personnel may help sharpen the team’s focus. Without the distraction of a lingering roster question, the Bengals can center their preparation on game-planning, chemistry, and stabilizing the offense around its core contributors. As difficult decisions continue to shape the stretch run, Cincinnati’s approach reflects urgency and pragmatism. Every marginal improvement matters when the margin for error is thin.