Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton's name was unfortunately referenced more in the headlines than in the stat sheets last season.
The rookie caught just four passes all season, and late in the year was accused of allegedly being involved in a domestic violence assault on his ex-girlfriend that forced him to sit out the regular season finale.
Alongside stars Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it was late-round pick Andrej Iosivas who claimed WR3 status with a breakout season of nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns.
Heading into 2025, however, Burton is on a mission to put his past behind him and earn that prominent spot in the receiver rotation for quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals' electric pass game.
ESPN ranked Burton as Cincinnati's biggest surprise from offseason workouts.
"Heading into this season, Bengals exec Duke Tobin made it clear Burton had to show Cincinnati something," reporter Ben Baby said.
Baby explained that Burton has done everything right during organized team activities. He has been attentive in meetings and fully engaged in on-field drills. This showing has earned the respect and approval of offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher.
"He's got a good look in his eye," Pitcher said. "He's here putting the time in."
Burton was a third-round pick last season who confirmed the character concerns he came out of college with. Now entering Year 2 in the NFL, Burton appears to have made a leap in maturity and grown his commitment to earning a greater role.
The Alabama product averaged 26 yards per reception last year in his limited sample size, showing that he could provide a deep-threat spark to this offense that requires so much attention on Chase and Higgins.
Burrow's pass game led the NFL last season in total yards and its 272.9 average per game. Squeezing Burton into the mix won't be easy with tight end Mike Gesicki also playing a major role, but with the improvements shown this offseason, the young receiver may leave Zac Taylor and Pitcher no choice but to see what he can do on the field.