The Cincinnati Bengals have taken a significant step toward securing their long-term future by reaching a historic agreement with star quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow has inked a five-year extension with the team worth a staggering $275 million, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history. The contract also includes a remarkable $219.01 million guaranteed, solidifying Burrow’s place as the face of the franchise.
This remarkable deal, which averages $55 million per year, puts an end to months of negotiations and reflects the team’s commitment to a player who has transformed the Bengals fortunes.
A record deal: Joe Burrow has reached agreement with the Bengals on an 5-year, $275 million extension that includes $219.01 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/6GttDs7zk6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2023
Burrow’s meteoric rise from being the top overall pick in 2020 to now the highest-paid NFL player is a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership both on and off the field.
Burrow spoke to reporters for the first time since his right calf injury in late July, reaffirming his desire to spend his entire career with the Bengals.Â
“This is where I want to be,” Burrow said. “This is where I want to be my whole career. We’re working toward making that happen. You’ve seen what the front office has done and what Zac [Taylor] has done in their time here. I’m a small part of that. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
(Yeah Joe, you’re a “small part” of that.)
The timing of this extension follows other top quarterbacks securing lucrative contracts. In late July, Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers signed a five-year deal averaging $52.5 million per year, setting a new benchmark at the time.
That followed Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens also inking their lucrative extensions.
Burrow emphasized that clear communication with the Bengals’ front office was pivotal during contract negotiations, and he never allowed the process to distract him from his preparation for the upcoming season.
“I’m going to keep playing well,” he said. “I feel great about the organization and everybody in the locker room and in the coaching staff. [The contract] is the icing on the cake to me. I’m just excited to be out here.”
This extension is a fitting reward for Burrow, who has revitalized the Bengals in just three seasons. In 2019, Cincinnati was the NFL’s worst team with only two wins, but the team’s fortunes changed dramatically after drafting Burrow.
Since then, he has guided the Bengals to two AFC Championship Game appearances and one Super Bowl (which they came very close to winning.)
Despite recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured appendix last season, Burrow had a career-best season and emerged as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. His remarkable journey from rookie sensation to franchise savior has been a testament to his dedication and motivation.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin praised Burrow’s leadership, saying: “He’s a motivated player, he’s a motivated teammate, he’s a motivated leader.”Â
Back in 2013, 17 year-old Joe Burrow DM'ed a recruiter for some advice on how to get more college attention.
Since then he:
🔸 Won the Heisman Trophy
🔸 Won a National Championship
🔸 Won the AFC North back-to-back
🔸 Took the Bengals to the Super Bowl
🔸 Became the… pic.twitter.com/gjfqGvV1yY— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) September 8, 2023
As the Bengals prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Burrow is expected to start despite his earlier calf injury. With his long-term future secured, the Bengals can continue their pursuit of their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
Team President Mike Brown expressed optimism, stating: “We’ve got an excellent coaching staff, good players, and our quarterback is an exceptional player. We have a shot, and we’ll see where it goes this year. It would be fun if we could put it together.”
It sure would…
What are your thoughts on Burrow’s contract?
Does he deserve to be the highest-paid player in the league?
Where does he rank among the top quarterbacks in the NFL right now?