The Bengals have cut linebacker Vontaze Burfict, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini.
Signed in 2012, the 28-year-old Burfict made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and was named second-team All-Pro the same year. Through his seven-year career, he racked up 397 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
However, the story with Burfict has never concerned his ability or productivity. Known as a reckless and dangerous player, Burfict sustained seven documented concussions as a professional. In total, Burfict has been fined or forfeited over $4.2 million as a member of the Bengals, including two suspensions for dangerous on-field behavior and one for a PED violation.
These results were unsurprising, as Burfict's reputation extended back to his college days at Arizona State. A five-star recruit, Burfict was considered the top inside linebacker prospect in the country as he entered college in 2009. A combination of academic issues and repeated personal fouls on the field tarnished his time with the Sun Devils, however, eventually causing him to go undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Last season, Burfict made just seven starts, notching 33 combined tackles, no sacks, no forced fumbles and no interceptions.
HUNTER'S VIEW
At just 28 years old, Burfict should have plenty left to offer on the field, but injuries and character concerns make him a tough sell moving forward. He has not appeared in more than 11 games in a season since his stellar 2013 campaign, when he made all 16 starts and registered 177 total tackles, three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
His seven documented concussions do not account for any head injuries sustained in college or high school, nor do they account for any times Burfict simply "shook off" the symptoms and did not receive an official evaluation. That is the most concerning point of emphasis to me. The question is not whether Burfict will return to form in the future — it's whether he'll play at all.
That in mind, this looks like the right call for the Bengals, who may be entering rebuild-mode in 2019.
