Joe Burrow reminded everyone in Week 16 exactly why he's one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks-and why the Cincinnati Bengals can’t afford to waste another season of his prime.
Burrow lit up the Dolphins for 309 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-21 rout, a vintage performance that showcased both his precision and his poise. It was the kind of outing that makes you forget, at least for a moment, how many cracks still exist beneath the surface of this Bengals roster. But make no mistake: the front office can’t let Burrow’s brilliance be a Band-Aid for deeper structural issues.
He’s now the fifth player in league history to reach 20,000 passing yards in his first 75 career games, and just the third to hit 150 passing touchdowns in that span. That’s not just impressive-it’s historic.
But even generational quarterbacks need help, and Burrow knows it. He recently called on the organization to “get creative” this offseason, acknowledging that what they’ve been doing hasn’t worked.
“I think we have great coaches... I have a lot of confidence in everybody that's putting together the plans... what we have been doing hasn't worked the last couple years. We have to think outside the box and get creative about where we go from here.”
That’s a clear message from QB1. Now it’s on Duke Tobin and the front office to respond with bold moves-not just tweaks around the edges.
Step One: Free Up Cap Space by Restructuring Core Contracts
Let’s start with the money. The Bengals have a star trio in Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
Restructuring any of their contracts could open up serious salary cap space. According to OverTheCap.com, a simple restructure of Burrow’s deal would free up $19.2 million in 2026.
Chase and Higgins could each free up around $13 million.
Yes, that pushes some financial weight into the future. But Cincinnati is projected to have more than $136 million in cap space in 2027-more than enough to handle extensions for key players like DJ Turner, Orlando Brown Jr., and Chase Brown.
This is how contending teams operate: they manipulate the cap to maximize their window. And with Burrow healthy and back in form, the window is wide open.
Step Two: Own the Misses and Get Aggressive in Free Agency
The Bengals made some questionable calls last offseason, particularly at linebacker. They had Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt on the roster, yet still doubled down on the position.
The result? Pratt is thriving with the Colts, Wilson was flipped for a seventh-rounder, and Cincinnati is now starting rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter-arguably the weakest linebacker duo in the league.
It's time to pivot. No more waiting for the light to come on in Year 3.
Go get a proven playmaker like Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd, who’s been a game-changer this season. He leads the league in Win Probability Added on interceptions and has already etched his name into Jacksonville’s franchise record books.
Swapping Carter for Lloyd would be a seismic upgrade for this defense. It’s not just about talent-it’s about leadership, communication, and elevating the entire unit. That’s the kind of move that signals to your locker room-and to Burrow-that you’re serious about winning now.
And while we’re here, let’s talk about the offensive line. Dalton Risner has been rock-solid at right guard.
Letting him walk and rolling with Jalen Rivers in 2026 would be a step backward. This isn’t the time to gamble on development.
Keep the proven pieces in place.
Step Three: Stop Overthinking the NFL Draft
The Bengals have a tendency to get too cute on draft day. Case in point: selecting Shemar Stewart 17th overall despite his injury history and modest college production, while James Pearce Jr.-who’s now thriving with 8.5 sacks for the Falcons-was still on the board.
It’s not just about one pick. It’s about a pattern. Using two of your top four selections on linebackers who haven’t panned out, or reaching for players at non-premium positions, has left this roster with more holes than answers.
Let’s be clear: there are needs all over the field. WR3, safety, linebacker (still), edge rusher, interior pass rush-you name it.
So when draft day comes, keep it simple. Take the best player available.
The one with elite traits, proven production, and a clear path to making an impact. That’s how you build around a franchise quarterback.
The Bottom Line
Joe Burrow is doing his part. He’s healthy, he’s locked in, and he’s producing at an elite level.
But he can’t do it alone. The Bengals’ front office needs to match his urgency with bold, calculated decisions-whether that’s restructuring contracts, making splash signings in free agency, or finally hitting on premium talent in the draft.
The pieces are there. The cap space is there. The quarterback is most definitely there.
Now it’s time for the Bengals to act like a team that knows exactly what it has in No. 9-and is willing to do whatever it takes to maximize his prime.