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 not any 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 assume Burrow might change into out there as quickly as subsequent winter.
Why Joe Burrow could also be rising bored with the Bengals
“With considerations in regards to the roster, teaching state of affairs, and Burrow’s need to win, hypothesis arises a couple of potential commerce request,” La Canfora wrote. “…The Bengals have an extended historical past of a few of their finest gamers leaving on unhealthy phrases, proprietor Mike Brown is notoriously frugal and cussed, and whereas the group boosted the payroll a yr in the past to retain prime 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 basic supervisor who spoke with La Canfora instructed Burrow will not be happy with how Cincinnati accounts for Hendrickson’s departure.
“That is it,” the overall 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 individuals “anticipate” this final result 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 glad in Cincinnati although 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 virtually definitely will not be traded earlier than the 2026 marketing campaign will get underway, however one unnamed “prime personnel govt” hinted whereas talking with La Canfora {that a} divorce feels inevitable.
“I might see him angling to get out of there,” that govt mentioned about Burrow. “I sort 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 collaborating in a postseason sport subsequent January could be sufficient to maintain Burrow glad as Cincinnati’s QB1 by the summer season of 2027.
