The Cincinnati Bengals' rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton faces yet another setback as the team prepares for a must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Zac Taylor made the surprising announcement on Friday, stating Burton would not travel with the team, citing it as a coach's decision. This marks the second time this season Burton has been left inactive, leaving fans and analysts questioning his future with the team.
Burton, who was selected as the 80th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has had a season filled with disappointments. His only contributions on the field include four receptions totaling 107 yards across 14 games. Significant issues off the field, including missing team walkthroughs, have negatively impacted his ability to play consistently. Back in November, he was benched for the game against the Las Vegas Raiders after failing to attend a walkthrough, and similar concerns led to this latest decision to exclude him from the Pittsburgh game.
“We just got to handle our business the right way,” Taylor stated, describing the earlier decision not to play Burton as difficult yet necessary. This time, no specific reason was provided for his exclusion from the traveling roster, raising eyebrows about his maturity and level of commitment. Initially hailed as having more potential than typically associated with third-round picks, Burton has not met expectations, leaving the Bengals to reassess his role within the team.
During his rookie year, Burton's playing time diminished significantly after failing to build trust with his coaches. His efforts were largely relegated to special teams, where he garnered 378 yards on kickoff returns, showcasing some of the speed and talent the Bengals hoped to utilize when they selected him. Unfortunately, his lack of production as a receiver, especially since he hasn’t been targeted since November 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers, exemplifies the struggles he has faced throughout the season.
Burton's future with the team is uncertain. With three years remaining on his rookie contract, the Bengals could move on without significant financial repercussions, as cutting him now would save them $532,896 against the salary cap. Coach Taylor and the Bengals organization had trusted Burton could thrive alongside their star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the reality may compel them to reconsider.
Despite his time with Cincinnati, Burton has not proven himself to be accountable or reliable, leading to growing concerns among fans and management alike. The franchise invested considerable resources, making him their highest wide receiver pick since selecting Chase and Higgins, and they now face the hurdle of salvaging their investment or deciding if it’s time to move on.
Historically, the Bengals have been hesitant to release early draft picks after just one season, with the most notable example being running back Mark Walton, released following multiple off-field incidents. The team’s decision-making process, influenced by Burton’s performance, will now be seen as they approach the offseason.
Heading to Pittsburgh, the Bengals find themselves in dire need of a win—not just for pride, but to keep their dwindling playoff hopes alive. While Taylor has expressed confidence in Burton's potential career, the wide receiver's repeated absences, including this latest departure, cast doubt on whether he will be part of the team’s future.
“Burton wants to help us win and do things the right way,” Taylor remarked optimistically. Yet, as the team prepares for their biggest game yet, Burton will not be on the field to support his teammates. The atmosphere is charged as the Bengals head to face the Steelers, knowing the stakes could not be higher.