While the Cincinnati Bengals will lose quarterback Joe Burrow for several months, they could trade wide receiver Jermaine Burton at some point this 2025 season. It’s not entirely over for the Bengals, as it’s just Week 3 and anything can happen, but when there’s a quarterback switch, it means the team might not be in the mix as a potential contender. According to a source, Burton is not getting any attention on the field as he has been inactive for the past two weeks while he still waits for the right opportunity. Originally selected in the 2024 draft, the former Georgia and Alabama product had a ton of momentum heading into this past preseason despite the offseason issues he had.
However, he got a chance on special teams, but it ended with an injury that head coach Zac Taylor needed to address. This means they moved on with backup running back Samaje Perine and wideout Charlie Jones to take over the duties, and they haven’t used Burton ever since. The injury came at the worst time for the wideout, so while Perine and Jones are serving bigger roles than Burton, and rookie Mitchell Tinsley had an impressive preseason, it might be best for the Bengals to trade Burton. It’s leaving many fans wondering what the future holds for the wide receiver, but it is due to surging players and unlucky injuries, so a trade might be a safe, low-stakes deal.
Breaking: Faltering Bengals Could Trade Former Third-Round Bust Jermaine Burton
Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
While the Dallas Cowboys have one of the best receiving duos in the league between CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, they must address the depth of this unit. They lost Jonathan Mingo without making any type of replacement and have bet their coins on Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin to get more snaps in the aerial attack. Despite coming off a promising 2024 campaign, Tolbert hasn’t been living up to expectations so far this year, so he could be fading in the background of this depth chart.
If they decide to trade him at some point, they will need to get a viable replacement. Turpin can only haul in catches in situational moments since he’s more of a special teams guy. Burton isn’t the most impressive possible trade candidate, but his contract is something the Cowboys can afford.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are finally rebuilding their new offense under head coach Kellen Moore after years not doing so, thanks to general manager Mickey Loomis. DeVaughn Vele and Trey Palmer joining the wide receiving corps brings promise to this wideout room behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, who have dealt with several injuries. Burton won’t get the immediate start in New Orleans, but it’s a chance for him to start new and work himself up the depth chart.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers cannot be afraid of bolstering their offensive pass attack while they have the momentum in their stride. Quarterback Justin Herbert is playing his best football ever, and Burton could light up the field in the background behind Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen. It should buy some time for Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who could go through some growing pains.
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