Joe Burrow isn’t going anywhere - and the Cincinnati Bengals are making that crystal clear, both with their words and, more importantly, with their checkbook.
Even in a season that’s gone off the rails at 4-10, Burrow remains the centerpiece of the Bengals’ long-term plans. He’s not just the face of the franchise - he is the franchise. And despite some recent comments from Burrow that raised a few eyebrows, there’s no real indication that a split is even remotely on the table.
Follow the Money - It All Leads Back to Burrow
Let’s start with the obvious: the Bengals have already backed up their belief in Burrow with a mountain of money. Since drafting him first overall in 2020, Cincinnati has paid him $177 million over the last six years, including $146 million in just the past three. That’s not just investment - that’s commitment.
And it’s not stopping anytime soon. Burrow is under contract for roughly $35 million, $37 million, and $40 million over the next three seasons.
In today’s quarterback market, those numbers are more than manageable - they’re a bargain. For a player of Burrow’s caliber, who’s already led this team to a Super Bowl appearance and established himself as one of the league’s most cerebral and clutch signal-callers, that kind of value is gold.
The Bengals, a franchise known for being fiscally conservative - we all saw those snowy stadium seats go uncleared last weekend - aren’t about to walk away from that kind of asset. Not when they’ve built their entire offensive identity around him.
Burrow’s Comments Sparked Questions - But Don’t Read Too Much Into Them
Yes, Burrow recently admitted that he hasn’t exactly been having “fun” this season. That’s not surprising.
The guy suffered a toe injury in Week 2 that required surgery and kept him off the field until Week 13. For a fierce competitor like Burrow, sitting on the sidelines while your team spirals is about as enjoyable as watching paint dry.
But when asked about his future, Burrow didn’t waver. He said he “can’t see” himself playing for another team in 2026.
That’s not the kind of thing you say if you’re eyeing the exit. If anything, it sounds like a player who’s frustrated by losing but still fully aligned with the organization’s direction.
And that direction still includes head coach Zac Taylor, who is expected to remain in place through the upcoming offseason. If the Bengals are going to bounce back, it’ll be with the same leadership core that took them to the brink of a title just a couple of seasons ago.
The Bengals Are All-In - On Burrow and His Weapons
If you’re wondering just how serious Cincinnati is about building around Burrow, look no further than the contracts they’ve handed out to his top targets.
Ja’Marr Chase is now the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history, pulling in an average of $42 million per year. And Tee Higgins?
He’s not far behind, with a deal worth $28 million annually. Those aren’t just big numbers - they’re statements.
You don’t spend that kind of money on wide receivers unless you’re absolutely sure about the quarterback throwing them the ball.
And make no mistake, the Bengals are sure. They’re not handing the keys to this offense to anyone else.
They’re not drafting a replacement. They’re not fielding trade calls.
They’re riding with Burrow - toe injury, tough season, and all.
Bottom Line: Don’t Expect a Christmas Miracle
If you’re a fan of a QB-needy team hoping for a Burrow blockbuster deal under the tree this holiday season, it’s time to let that dream go.
The Bengals aren’t just keeping Burrow - they’re doubling down on him. They’ve got their franchise quarterback locked in at a team-friendly number, surrounded by elite weapons, and backed by a front office that’s finally spending like a contender.
This season may be lost in the standings, but the long game in Cincinnati is still very much intact. And it starts - and ends - with Joe Burrow.