The Cincinnati Bengals have moved on from embattled linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
Burfict was an obvious point of discussion for new head coach Zac Taylor, who upon arrival preached the importance of culture as he begins to reshape the franchise. Taylor and the Bengals brass decided to make the decision to cut Burfict, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Burfict hasn’t played in more than 11 games in a season since 2013 because of injuries and suspensions from the league. He’s lost more than $4 million in salary over the course of his career as a result of on-field infractions and a recent suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
In 2018, Burfict played in seven games, sticking out as a massive liability while shifting between linebacker spots. He then suffered another concussion, which reportedly put his playing career in question.
Given Taylor’s emphasis on culture and Burfict’s ineffectiveness on the field lately, not to mention the team needing to rebuild the majority of the linebacker corps, the move here isn’t a surprise. It was more a matter of when” than “if,” and Taylor decided now was the time to remove a distraction and upgrade a positional group with one move.
