A Joe Burrow megadeal could come as soon as this offseason.
Burrow has another season on his rookie contract, plus a fifth-year option, but the Bengals are targeting this offseason to extend their superstar quarterback, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The LSU product, who led the Bengals to last year’s Super Bowl — a run that included their first division title since 2015 and their first playoff win since 1990 — could set the market for quarterbacks if a deal comes.
According to Rapoport, Kyler Murray’s deal, which averages $46.1 million per year, would be considered the floor for Burrow’s negotiations. The 26-year-old Burrow is making $3.9 million this season.
The Bengals, a small-market franchise, can afford to keep Burrow in part because of his impact on the team’s business, with attendance up and a wave of sponsorships coming thanks to the team’s success.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow before a playoff game against the Bills on Jan. 22, 2023.USA TODAY Sports
Joe Burrow during warms up before facing the Buffalo Bills in an NFL Divisional Round playoff game on January 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, New York.Getty ImagesTheir turnaround under Burrow, the top pick in the 2020 draft, has been nothing short of staggering. The Bengals were 2-14 in 2019 and, even in Burrow’s first season, finished in last place for a third straight season.
Now, with the trio of Burrow, receiver Ja’Marr Chase and coach Zac Taylor, the championship window is wide open.
Central to it staying open, of course, is keeping Burrow — who grew up in nearby Athens, Ohio.
