Third-round bust wide receiver Jermaine Burton will likely be a cut candidate this upcoming free agency. According to Pro Football Talk, Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin didn’t hold back from speaking on the future of Burton in Cincinnati after having off-field issues this past 2024 campaign. He said Burton hasn’t been doing anything to deserve a spot on the roster and this stems from his problems of punching a fan but having accusations that he assaulted a woman he was dating. Tobin says Burton needs to act quickly or else he won’t be a Bengal much longer after taking the risk in him in last year’s draft.
It’s safe to say Burton will find himself available in this year’s NFL Free Agency. The Bengals knew the type of player he was despite being a part of the lineup behind stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins hoping to carve out a role. After recording four receptions for 107 yards in 14 contests, this player is not worthy to keep around especially if the athlete is having off-field issues. The Bengals have larger issues this offseason to deal with within their organization such as figuring out a new contract for Chase and Higgins.
Burton still has the characteristics to become a valuable wideout for a new team in a different scenery. Unfortunately, it won’t be with the Bengals but the Ravens, Chargers could take on the risk on a low-stakes contract.
Wide Receiver Jermaine Burton Likely a Cut Candidate Due to Off-Field Issues
More Risks in Baltimore?
After a promising 2024 campaign, the Baltimore Ravens were hopeful to go further in the postseason with the new additions on offense. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was playing his best football alongside bulldozer Derrick Henry to help milk the momentum but it wasn’t enough to bring home at least an AFC Championship. The team was without WR1 Zay Flowers for the entire 2025 playoffs but the issues stem from the receiver department. They took a risk by trading for Diontae Johnson to help salvage the passing game after releasing Odell Beckham Jr., this past offseason but the experiment was anything but successful.
Veteran Nelson Agholor will become a free agent next month and the chances of them adding a superstar wideout are high. Perhaps, they may look into high-profile wideouts such as Stefon Diggs or Amari Cooper, they should add some depth in the backend. Tylan Wallace will also become a free agent as well but the team could take a new risk on Burton to see what he does. Burton might not earn the job immediately but being a part of a new winning culture and scenery may change his ways.
Help for Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers almost had a complete roster to make it to the Super Bowl but with the lack of receivers, they were a first-round exit. Upcoming second-year Ladd McConkey is constructing himself to be quarterback Justin Herbert’s favorite weapon, but Quentin Johnston and other receivers have been way too inconsistent. Since Joshua Palmer will likely leave for a new team, it’s safe for the Chargers to sign a superstar wideout since the salary cap situation is in their favor. Burton is nothing like a superstar but he could be a resourceful depth to swap out receivers coming out of the bench.
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win ball games on the ground, but that won’t happen with an inconsistent pass attack. He knew he did Herbert a disservice and to make up for it, the Chargers should arm Herbert with the best of the best and new incoming receivers. Burton might not be spectacular but he could play in a special role to open up the aerial attack for the new potential star in town.
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