Joe Burrow has mentioned his love for Ohio consistently over the years. Burrow infamously mentioned the state of Ohio during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech.
Recently, Burrow reiterated his desire to remain in Ohio and play his entire NFL career for Cincinnati. Burrow and the Bengals organization took a large step toward this goal on Thursday night as Cincinnati signed franchise QB Burrow to the largest contract in NFL history.
The five-year contract extension, worth $275 million, includes $219.01 million guaranteed, ensuring Burrow will remain a Bengal for the foreseeable future. Burrow has transformed the Bengals organization from an annual NFL doormat to a title contender.
What Does the Joe Burrow Extension Say About the Bengals Organization?
Signing Burrow to this massive extension signals to the rest of the league Cincy is in it to win it. The Bengals organization wasn’t always this way. Years of futility marred by a team known around the NFL as “penny pinchers.”
Joe Burrow’s five-year run:
🏈2019: Wins National Championship and Heisman Trophy.
🏈2020: Drafted No. 1 overall.
🏈2021: Named Comeback Player of the Year, reaches Super Bowl.
🏈2022: Reaches AFC Championship Game.
🏈2023: Lands biggest contract in NFL history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2023
The commitment to Burrow is putting their money where their mouth is. Signing Burrow should be the first of several big-money moves for the Bengals organization. Burrow has the top pair of receivers in the NFL in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
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Chase and Burrow have as strong a connection as any QB/WR duo in the league, back to their time as teammates at LSU. Extending Chase has to be on the list of things to do. There’s zero chance the Bengals let Burrow’s best friend walk out of the door after signing him to the long-term extension.
The Bengals’ front office wants to keep Burrow happy and keep him in a Cincinnati Bengals uniform for the long haul. Higgins has been the subject of offseason rumors. Several NFL analysts suggest the Bengals organization may trade Higgins to avoid paying their QB and his top two targets.
Cincy’s offense is in good hands with Burrow under center and the two dominant receivers on the outside. But they need to keep their franchise QB upright. Burrow has sustained several injuries throughout his NFL career, and the Bengals need to continue reinforcing their offensive line to protect their costly investment.
The Burrow contract was costly, but not extending their franchise QB would have cost even more.
Social Media’s Thoughts on the Timing of the Burrow Extension
Bro wanted to steal Mahomes spotlight
— Tyrod👔 To Hyatt🍊 (@BallsDeepInYm3) September 8, 2023
exclusive look-in at Joe Burrow immediately after signing his new extension with the #Bengals pic.twitter.com/gU0HudkMed
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 8, 2023
Joe Burrow: The new highest-paid player in NFL History 💰 pic.twitter.com/Hqh8n6mCd7
— PFF (@PFF) September 8, 2023