Jermaine Burton Suspended by Bengals, Future with Team in Serious Doubt
The Bengals were already heading into Sunday’s matchup in Buffalo without wide receiver Jermaine Burton. But it turns out his absence isn’t just a game-day scratch - it’s a suspension, and it’s hitting his wallet too.
Burton has been suspended without pay, costing him nearly $60,000 - the equivalent of one week’s base salary. The team hasn’t offered any details on what led to the disciplinary action, but the move speaks volumes about where things stand between Burton and the Bengals.
This suspension is just the latest chapter in what’s been a rocky tenure for the 2024 third-round pick. Burton hasn’t taken a snap this season, and his rookie campaign saw him catch just four passes. From the outside looking in, it’s clear the Bengals’ patience has been wearing thin for some time.
While the team hasn’t made any official moves beyond the suspension, it’s hard to envision a path back for Burton in Cincinnati. He was already teetering on the edge of the roster, and whatever happened behind the scenes this week may have pushed things past the point of no return.
At this stage, the more pressing question might be whether another team sees enough upside in Burton’s raw talent to give him a second shot. He was a third-round pick for a reason - there’s ability there.
But in the NFL, potential only gets you so far. Availability, reliability, and trust matter just as much, and right now, Burton’s standing on all three fronts is in serious question.
For the Bengals, this is a roster spot that could soon open up - and for Burton, it’s a pivotal moment in his young career. Whether this is a wake-up call or the beginning of the end remains to be seen.