The Buffalo Bills have completed their 2026 NFL Draft and are set to welcome several rookies for the upcoming rookie mini camp on May 9 and 10. In addition, they will extend invitations to some young players who aren’t rookies but are looking for another chance to prove themselves.
Bills Bring on Jermaine Burton
Among these players is former Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton, who brings NFL experience and will be trying to earn a spot on the team.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote Sunday on X, “Sources: Former Bengals third-round WR Jermaine Burton will take part in the Bills’ rookie minicamp as he attempts to get back into the league.”
The Bengals selected Burton in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he played in 14 games that season, recording four receptions for 107 yards. However, he didn’t appear in a game last season and was later released on Dec. 8.
Ironically, Burton will be joining the Bills for rookie camp. Before the Bengals released Burton, they suspended him for the Bills game last season and then released him the very next day.
Bengals Weren’t Impressed With Burton After His Rookie Season
It didn’t appear the Bengals were particularly optimistic about Burton after his rookie season, as director of player personnel Duke Tobin didn’t seem impressed by what he observed from him that first year.
“He’s done nothing, and he’s going to have to start doing something quickly,” Tobin said on Jan. 29, 2025, via Kelsey Conway of Cincinnati Enquirer. “We knew we were taking a risk. We felt comfortable that we could help him through some of the challenges he’s had in the past, and we’re going to continue to try to help him. But this is professional football, and you have to take accountability, and you have to be accountable to your teammates, your coaches, and the team that you’re playing for, and he has to figure that out.
“He’s got to figure that out fast. He’s a very talented player, and we knew that there were risks in taking him. We knew there were rewards in taking him. We know what both of those are. We’re hoping for the rewards. We’re giving him the resources he needs to get to those rewards, but at the end of the day, you can’t want it more for somebody than they want it for themselves. And we’re hoping that Jermaine figures that out.”
Maybe Burton Can Get Back on Track in Buffalo
The Bills aren’t taking any risks by bringing Burton in to compete at the rookie mini camp. If he can demonstrate that he’s worth considering further during the summer and training camp, there’s a good chance Burton will secure a spot on the preseason roster. Nevertheless, if he doesn’t perform, the Bills won’t have lost anything by giving him this opportunity.
Hopefully, Burton can revitalize his NFL career, and a change of scenery might be just what he needs. Sometimes players thrive better when they’re around the right coach and teammates, and teaming up with one of the best in the league, Josh Allen, could make a difference for Burton.
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