The Cincinnati Bengals may very well decide to move on from Vontaze Burfict before next season. Despite a report that surfaced on Tuesday indicating the team had already released the volatile seven-year veteran, though, Burfict apparently remains with the revamped Bengals as rookie coach Zac Taylor continues his search for a defensive coordinator.
Fox Sports Radio's Andy Furman confirmed months of whispers surrounding Burfict's future when he tweeted that Cincinnati had already cut him. Furman, however, retracted his report less than one hour later.
V. Burfict cut from Bengals, per report
— Andy Furman (@AndyFurmanFSR) February 19, 2019
False Report — Fake News — V. Burfict not cut by Bengals, per Bengals @Bengals
— Andy Furman (@AndyFurmanFSR) February 19, 2019
Burfict suffered the seventh concussion of his career in a late December loss to the Cleveland Browns, ending his 2018 season early. The 28-year-old played in just seven games last season, finishing with 33 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three passes defended while fighting through various health maladies.
Given his checkered injury history and declining level of play, there was always a good chance that the Bengals would decide to move on from Burfict this offseason. But with Cincinnati poised to open up millions in cap room by cutting him while incurring little financial penalty, the writing seems on the wall for his time with the black and orange. The departure of longtime coach Marvin Lewis, a staunch defender of Burfict, will undoubtedly factor in to whatever decision the team ultimately reaches, too.
It's unlikely to come either way until the Bengals hire a defensive coordinator. Taylor said on Monday that he won't be rushed into appointing a defensive coordinator, despite the field of worthy candidates continuing to thin.
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