Bengals cut ties with Burfict
The Bengals stuck with linebacker Vontaze Burfict through all his troubles, including a hit that led to a playoff loss. They finally released him Monday after a season of below-average performance.
During seven seasons with Cincinnati, Burfict was repeatedly suspended by the NFL for egregious hits and violating its policy on performanceenhancers. He was fined regularly for hits that crossed the line, most notably the one to Antonio Brown’s head that helped the Steelers rally for an 18-16 playoff win in the 2015 season.
Through it all, the Bengals stood solidly behind the linebacker and gave him contract extensions. His significant fall-off in performance last season led them to finally cut ties.
“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,” new Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “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.”
Burfict, 28, was suspended for the first four games last season for violating the NFL’S policy on performanceenhancers, his third straight season with a suspension. A hip injury and concussions limited him to seven games with only 33 tackles, no sacks and no interceptions. During his career in Cincinnati, Burfict hadeight sacks and five interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl in 2013.
Nobody was willing to draftburfict out of Arizona State, where he repeatedly drew personal foul penalties. Burfict wrote a letter to NFL teams, and the Bengals— known for giving troubled players extra chances— brought him aboard for the 2012 season.
Meanwhile, the Bengals signed tight end Tyler Eifert to another one-year contract, hoping he can make it through a season without a significant injury.
Eifert broke his right ankle in the fourth game last season, his third straight year with a major injury. He’s been limited to 14 games the last three years because of injuries to his back and ankle.
Giants GM defends Beckham trade
After a week of being beaten up in the media over the trade of popular star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., general manager Dave Gettleman went on the offensive, saying the trade was in the best interests of the New York Giants and was a deal the organization could not refuse. The Giants sent Beckham to the Cleveland Browns last week for first- and third-round draft picks this year and safety Jabrill Peppers.
“After much discussion, we believe this was in the best interests of the New York Football Giants,” Gettleman said.“i want everyone to know this was purely a football business decision. There is no intrigue. No he said, she said. None of that stuff.”
Fantastic finish
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, 35,found a unique way to announce his retirement from the NFL: from atop Mount Kilimanjaro.
“Just a man standing on top of the world with a heart full of gratitude,” Ngata wrote on Instagram. “Thank you Lord for letting me play the game I love for 13 unforgettable years. I’m retiring on top. I might be finished playing football, but I’m holding tight to the friendships, memories and wisdom I’ve gained along the way. Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. Walking away with no regrets, just peace in knowing I gave it my all and had a helluva lot of fun doing it.”