Bengals set free LB Burfict after 7 seasons


Devdiscourse News Desk | New York | Updated: 19-03-2019 05:12 IST | Created: 19-03-2019 05:02 IST
Bengals set free  LB Burfict after 7 seasons
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Linebacker Vontaze Burfict was released by the Cincinnati Bengals after seven seasons, the team confirmed on its website Monday afternoon. "As we continue to build our roster for the 2019 season, we felt it best to give both the team and Vontaze a fresh start," said Bengals first-year head coach Zac Taylor in a statement. "Vontaze has been a good player here -- the team appreciates that, and I know a lot of fans appreciate that -- but our focus is on the future. Our goal is to build a successful team for the upcoming season, and we felt that making this change now was best for everyone."

Burfict had two seasons remaining on a $33.2 million contract extension, but releasing him results in a cap charge of only $1.8 million. Burfict managed to play in only 43 games in the past five seasons, encountering repeated head injuries -- seven documented concussions -- and three suspensions.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Burfict amassed more than $4 million in on-field conduct fines. He was suspended by the NFL to start both the 2016 and 2017 seasons for violation of player-safety policies and in 2018 for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He was a physical force for the Bengals in the middle of Marvin Lewis' defense, but when the Bengals parted with Lewis, a change at linebacker was expected under Taylor.

Later on Monday, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport tweeted Burfict may be of interest to the Oakland Raiders, who reportedly are already hosting fellow free-agent linebackers Manti Te'o and Aaron Lynch. Burfict had 298 tackles in his first two seasons with the team and played in every game.

Burfict, 28, was an undrafted free agent signee with Cincinnati after an All-America career at Arizona State. A poor performance at the NFL Scouting Combine -- he ran a 5.09 40-yard dash and reportedly failed a drug test -- coupled with concerns about his temperament and decision-making on and off the field left Burfict looking for work after the 2012 draft.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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