Jermaine Burton, a wide receiver and a 2024 third-round draft selection, who was released by the Cincinnati Bengals, has received an invitation to join the Buffalo Bills' rookie minicamp. This development follows his waiving by the Bengals in December, after which he became an unrestricted free agent. Burton's tenure with the Bengals concluded with a suspension for non-injury related reasons, leading to him missing a game and a substantial portion of his salary. Despite not seeing any regular-season action in 2025, his rookie year in 2024 saw him participate in 14 games, accumulating 107 receiving yards from four receptions.
Burton's Journey from Bengals to Bills Minicamp
In a significant turn of events for the promising athlete, on April 26, 2026, Jermaine Burton, the 24-year-old receiver/returner, was confirmed to be attending the Buffalo Bills' rookie minicamp. This opportunity arose after his unexpected departure from the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was a 2024 third-round draft pick. The Bengals had released Burton in December 2025. Following his release, he cleared waivers, making him eligible to sign with any team as a free agent. Prior to his release, Burton did not accompany the Bengals on their trip to Buffalo for their NFL Week 14 encounter, which resulted in a loss. He was declared unavailable for that game due to non-injury related circumstances, an event that was subsequently followed by his suspension. This suspension led to a forfeiture of a game check, amounting to $59,320.88. Throughout the 2025 season, Burton did not make an appearance in any regular-season games. However, during his rookie season in 2024, he played in 14 games for the Bengals, where he recorded four catches for a total of 107 receiving yards, showcasing glimpses of his potential.
Burton's journey underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers. His invitation to the Bills' minicamp offers a chance for redemption and a fresh start in the highly competitive NFL landscape. It highlights the persistence required to navigate the challenges of professional football, from being a highly-touted draft pick to facing a release and then earning another opportunity. This move could revitalize his career, providing him with a new environment to demonstrate his skills and contribute to a team's success.
