Andrew Whitworth, former Cincinnati Bengals left tackle, is stirring the pot with some candid insights. Whether he's discussing potential Maxx Crosby trade scenarios or speculating on Joe Burrow's future, Whitworth isn't holding back about the team where he spent the first 11 years of his NFL career.
Whitworth has a personal connection with Joe Burrow, appreciating his relentless drive, work ethic, and resilience in bouncing back from serious injuries. However, comparisons to early-retirement Andrew Luck and former Bengals QB Carson Palmer have started to emerge.
For fans of the Bengals, Whitworth's comments about Burrow are worth noting.
Andrew Whitworth sees echoes of the past in Joe Burrow's Bengals, reminiscent of Carson Palmer's departure
On the Fitz & Whit podcast, co-hosted with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Whitworth delved into the atmosphere in Cincinnati during the time Carson Palmer decided to leave the team. This occurred after Whitworth's fifth season, and Palmer's sudden trade demand felt like a betrayal, affecting their personal relationship.
While it seems Whitworth and Palmer have mended fences, the current era presents new challenges. Despite the Bengals investing in stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, their support for Burrow appears lacking.
Whitworth speculates that if the Bengals face another disappointing season in 2026, missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, the locker room might start to mirror Burrow's frustration:
"Think of these guys that look up to [Burrow]. I looked up to Carson Palmer like the big brother I never had.
I worshiped the ground that Carson Palmer walked on. I thought Carson Palmer was the greatest leader I'd ever been around.
One of the best dudes I'd ever been around. That was like, my big brother's leaving the house, saying I don't want to be part of the family anymore.
As dedicated as [Burrow] is to being good at what he does, these guys look up to him. So it's not just about how it affects Joe Burrow's life.
This is going to affect a lot of guys around him. How they go about their business.
The way they look up to him. That's what these things do."
Could Joe Burrow be the next quarterback to exit the Bengals? Whitworth draws parallels to his experience with Carson Palmer.
Burrow embodies everything you'd want in a franchise quarterback and locker room leader. He's an elite player who lets his performance speak for itself, avoids off-field issues, and is committed to winning multiple Super Bowls.
The issue lies with the team's leadership. Owner Mike Brown and his team lack Burrow's competitive drive. If the Bengals continue to underperform, a trade demand from Burrow, reminiscent of Palmer's, seems almost inevitable.