5 Reasons Why Payton Thorne Was Cut By The Bengals And His Unexpected 2025 NFL Future

The dream of an NFL roster spot is notoriously short-lived for undrafted free agents, and that reality recently hit former Auburn and Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne. As of December 17, 2025, the story of his brief tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals remains a key chapter in his young professional career, following his release during the crucial 53-man roster cuts. While the move was a business decision, it has left fans and analysts wondering what went wrong and, more importantly, what comes next for the talented signal-caller.

The decision to waive Thorne, a college free agent signing, came as the Bengals finalized their roster to meet the league-mandated deadline. For a team with an established starter like Joe Burrow, the competition for the third quarterback spot is always fierce, and despite his impressive college resume, Thorne faced an uphill battle from day one. This deep dive explores the factors behind the cut and maps out the potential landing spots for the quarterback in the 2025 season.

Payton Thorne: Biography and College Career Profile

Payton Thorne’s journey to the NFL was marked by high-level competition and impressive statistical output across two major college football programs: the Michigan State Spartans and the Auburn Tigers. His dual-threat capabilities and extensive experience made him an intriguing prospect coming into the 2024 NFL Draft.

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• Full Name: Payton Thorne
• Born: June 26, 2001
• Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
• High School: Naperville Central High School
• College Career: Michigan State Spartans (2020–2022), Auburn Tigers (2023)
• Draft Status: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) in the 2024 NFL Draft
• NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals (Signed May 2024, Waived August 2024)
• Career College Stats: Totaled 10,962 passing yards and 86 touchdowns across his collegiate career.
• Key Achievement: Led Michigan State to an 11-2 record and a Peach Bowl victory in the 2021 season.

Thorne spent three seasons at Michigan State, where he established himself as a prolific passer before transferring to Auburn for his final collegiate season. His college experience, which included 53 games played, was a major factor in the Cincinnati Bengals offering him a contract as a college free agent in May 2024.

The Bengals Cut: 5 Factors Behind the Roster Decision

The Cincinnati Bengals waived Payton Thorne on a Monday, as part of the initial wave of roster cuts leading up to the 53-man roster deadline. While the move was disappointing, it was a practical decision driven by several key factors common in the NFL's preseason landscape.

1. The Established Quarterback Depth Chart

The most significant hurdle for any undrafted quarterback in Cincinnati is the presence of Joe Burrow. The Bengals’ quarterback room is one of the most stable in the league, reducing the need for an immediate development project. The primary backup role was already solidified by Jake Browning, who proved his capability during the 2023 season. Thorne was competing for the third-string or practice squad spot against other veteran and younger options.

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2. Limited Preseason Opportunity and Performance

As a late-round or undrafted prospect, Thorne needed a standout preseason to secure a spot. He saw very limited action, appearing in only one preseason game. In his brief time on the field, he completed four of seven passes for 41 yards, which was not enough to separate himself from the competition or convince the coaching staff he was worth a 53-man roster spot or a priority practice squad spot.

3. The Need for Veteran Experience at Backup

NFL teams often prioritize experienced backups, especially for a Super Bowl-contending team like the Bengals. The team’s subsequent moves to solidify the quarterback position with more experienced players demonstrated a preference for proven commodities over developmental projects in the short term. The competition for the final spots was simply too strong.

4. Roster Spot Allocation to Other Positions

Roster cuts are rarely just about the player; they are about roster math. By waiving Thorne, the Bengals freed up a valuable roster spot that could be used for a player at a position of greater need, such as a defensive lineman, a linebacker like Craig Young (who was also cut), or a special teams contributor. The team needed to manage its roster to meet the 53-man limit, and the quarterback position was a logical place to make a reduction.

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5. Practice Squad Prioritization

While Thorne was reportedly hoping to land on the Bengals' 16-man practice squad, the team ultimately decided to sign another quarterback, Sean Clifford, to that role. This move indicated that the Bengals had a clear hierarchy for their developmental quarterbacks, and Thorne was unfortunately just outside that top tier for the 2024 season. Clearing waivers was the first step, but securing the practice squad spot was the final hurdle he could not clear.

What’s Next? Payton Thorne’s Potential 2025 Football Future

The reality for an undrafted free agent who is waived is a quick search for a new opportunity. The NFL is a league of constant turnover, and a player with Thorne’s college pedigree—over 10,000 yards and a history of winning—will certainly draw interest from other organizations looking for a developmental quarterback or a practice squad arm.

His immediate future depends on which team is willing to take a chance on his potential. The goal for Thorne now is to land on a practice squad for the 2025 season, where he can continue to learn the professional game, work with an NFL coaching staff, and stay in shape for a potential call-up. There are several potential paths forward for the former Auburn Tiger:

• The Practice Squad Route: The most likely scenario is signing with a team's practice squad. This allows him to earn an NFL salary, attend team meetings, and develop without the pressure of a 53-man roster spot. Teams with less stable quarterback situations or those looking to groom a long-term backup would be ideal landing spots.
• The UFL/CFL Option: If no immediate NFL opportunity arises, Thorne could explore the United Football League (UFL) or the Canadian Football League (CFL). These leagues offer valuable in-game experience that can make a player more attractive to NFL scouts in the following year.
• The 2025 Training Camp: Regardless of where he spends the early part of 2025, Thorne will be aiming for a training camp invitation next summer. The experience gained with the Bengals, however brief, will be crucial. His tape from Michigan State and Auburn proves he has the talent; he just needs the right fit and a chance to showcase his skills again.

Payton Thorne’s journey in professional football is far from over. His cut from the Cincinnati Bengals was a setback, but it is a common occurrence for an undrafted player. With his collegiate success and a relentless work ethic, the quarterback remains an intriguing prospect who will be closely monitored as he seeks his next opportunity to prove he belongs in the National Football League.