Questions in regards to the long-term way forward for Cincinnati Bengals
star quarterback Joe Burrow arose when he first mentioned this previous December that he wanted “to have enjoyable [playing] once more.”
Whereas there is no indication Burrow will look to depart the Bengals this offseason, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom shared on Friday that folks across the league suppose Burrow may turn out to be accessible as quickly as subsequent winter.
Why Joe Burrow could also be rising uninterested in the Bengals
“With considerations in regards to the roster, teaching state of affairs, and Burrow’s want to win, hypothesis arises a few potential commerce request,” La Canfora wrote. “…The Bengals have an extended historical past of a few of their greatest gamers leaving on unhealthy phrases, proprietor Mike Brown is notoriously frugal and cussed, and whereas the staff boosted the payroll a yr in the past to retain high receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase for Burrow, the roster stays removed from championship high quality.”
Particularly, the Bengals appear prepared to let pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson depart the membership through free company when the brand new league yr opens on March 11. One unnamed common supervisor who spoke with La Canfora recommended Burrow will not be happy with how Cincinnati accounts for Hendrickson’s departure.
“That is it,” the final supervisor defined. “Dude, [the Bengals] aren’t going out and buying and selling for Maxx Crosby or one thing like that. The protection sucks. That is the ultimate yr that Chase and Higgins are each there. It’s going to come back to a head, belief me.”
NFL folks “anticipate” this consequence for Joe Burrow, Bengals relationship?
Burrow signed a five-year, $275M contract extension in September 2023, and he extra not too long ago said earlier in February that he’s joyful in Cincinnati though he has had some “unhealthy” days. The primary total decide of the 2020 NFL Draft suffered a torn ACL and MCL in November of his rookie marketing campaign. His 2023 season ended prematurely due to a wrist injury, and he suffered a toe injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season that saved him sidelined till Week 13.
Burrow nearly definitely will not be traded earlier than the 2026 marketing campaign will get underway, however one unnamed “high personnel govt” hinted whereas talking with La Canfora {that a} divorce feels inevitable.
“I may see him angling to get out of there,” that govt stated about Burrow. “I form of anticipate it. That’s a troublesome place to win, and he actually needs to win.”
The Bengals have missed out on the playoffs for 3 straight years. One wonders if merely taking part in a postseason sport subsequent January could be sufficient to maintain Burrow joyful as Cincinnati’s QB1 by means of the summer time of 2027.
