CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Bengals released wide receiver Jermaine Burton on Monday, ending his tenure in Cincinnati fewer than two years after being drafted 80th overall in 2024.

Burton never played a down in his second season, which included being suspended for Sunday’s 39-34 loss to the Bills in Buffalo.

Despite his intriguing talent, Burton never made much of an impact with the Bengals.

He played just 14 games, all in his rookie season, and finished his tenure in Cincinnati with only four catches.

Here are a couple numbers to put that stat into perspective:

Five players from this draft class already have 100-plus receptions.33 players drafted after Burton have more receptions than Burton’s four. Among them was the Bengals’ fourth-round pick Erick All, who had 20 catches as a rookie for 158 yards but has not played since Week 9 of 2024 due to a torn ACL.Four different defenders have more interceptions than Burton has receptions. Three others, two of whom were drafted after Burton, have the same number of picks as Burton has catches.First overall pick Caleb Williams has only two fewer career catches than Burton. He also has a receiving touchdown while Burton has none.

For the record, I don’t like labeling picks outside of the top 50 of any draft as busts. The hit rate on picks from Rounds 3 and after is very low and it only diminishes as the draft goes on.

So I can’t in good conscience call Jermaine Burton a bust.

He clearly had a high ceiling and intriguing tools. It just simply didn’t work out.

Now the question is whether Burton can turn his career around with someone else in the NFL.

What to know about the Bengals todayBengals QB Joe Burrow’s Intensity Reduced to Shrugs and Crumbling Cookies as Bills Snuff Fire, Squish Hope (Bengals on SI)

Joe Burrow’s intensity was reduced to shrugs and talk of “crumbling cookies” after the Cincinnati Bengals lost 39-34 to the Buffalo Bills. Despite a strong start where Cincinnati led by 10 at halftime, back-to-back fourth-quarter interceptions from Burrow—one returned for a touchdown—sealed their fate. Jay Morrison writes that at 4-9, the Bengals have clinched their first losing season since 2020, with Burrow acknowledging the uphill battle since returning from injury.

Bengals Beat: Trey Hendrickson (2nd Opinion) Likely Headed For Surgery, Tee Higgins Back In Concussion Protocol, Jermaine Burton Era Finally Draws to A Close (CLNS Cincinnati)

All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson will likely undergo season-ending surgery for a core muscle injury, while receiver Tee Higgins has re-entered concussion protocol after Sunday’s game against Buffalo. The team also released 2024 third-round pick Jermaine Burton, who never played a game this season due to disciplinary issues, reports Mike Petraglia.

Joe Burrow and Bengals tantalize vs. Bills, but still prove an irrelevant footnote (The Athletic)

Joe Burrow’s return brought offensive fireworks but couldn’t prevent another heartbreaking loss as the Bengals fell 39-34 to the Bills in snowy Buffalo. Despite leading by 10 in the fourth quarter, Cincinnati’s defense faltered and Burrow threw two costly interceptions, dropping the team to 4-9. Paul Dehner Jr. writes this was another example of the Bengals’ tantalizing but ultimately disappointing season – scoring 33+ points in a loss for the seventh time this year.

Dejecting loss in Buffalo offers a roadmap for the Bengals’ future (Fox 19)

The Bengals’ 39-34 loss to the Bills effectively eliminated them from playoff contention with a 4-9 record. Despite leading by 10 points in the fourth quarter, Cincinnati collapsed after a pick-six and another interception. Charlie Goldsmith reports the game showcased both the strength of Joe Burrow’s offense and the defensive weaknesses that need addressing before 2026, particularly in pass rush, tackling, and tight end coverage.

Bengals dates to remember

Sunday: Week 15 vs. Ravens, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 21: Week 16 at Dolphins, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 27/28: Week 17 vs. Cardinals, TBD

Jan. 3/4, 2026: Week 18 vs. Browns, TBD

Feb. 23-March 2, 2026: NFL Combine, Indianapolis

March 9, 2026: Start of NFL free agent tampering, noon Eastern

March 11, 2026: Beginning of new league year, 4 p.m. Eastern