Everything Bengals QB Joe Burrow said about pending contract extension
Recovering from a calf strain has been half of the story for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. It's been the half that has actually frustrated him, but the other half matters quite a bit as well. Burrow spoke to the media following Wednesday's practice for the first time since before his injury in late July. […]
Recovering from a calf strain has been half of the story for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. It's been the half that has actually frustrated him, but the other half matters quite a bit as well.
Burrow spoke to the media following Wednesday's practice for the first time since before his injury in late July. It took about five minutes, but he was finally asked about the ongoing negotiations.
"That's the last thing I'm thinking about," Burrow said. "I'm worried about beating the Browns right now."
As it's been for months now, mum's the word. And considering how close it is to the regular season, this response is a win for the Bengals and their fans.
Burrow's extension has been priority No. 1 for the Bengals since he first became eligible back in January. It's also clear that considering it hasn't happened yet, the deal may look a bit different compared to other mammoth deals NFL quarterbacks have signed this offseason.
More and more leverage is gained by Burrow the longer this takes, but his words on the matter do not indicate any stress to get it done hastily.
"It's going to come. I'll keep playing well. I feel great about the organization and the coaching staff," Burrow said. "This is where I want to be my whole career. We're working toward making that happen."
Burrow's sentiment towards staying put in Cincinnati hasn't wavered since he was first asked about it. His most recent answer might be alluding to longer deal that essentially locks him in for the duration of his prime, but that remains to be seen. He did note that clarity regarding what he's wanted in the contract has held strong.
This is the most important contract of Burrow's career, and he's been going to a smart source for help. Burrow said he has been receiving help from none other than Tom Brady behind the scenes.
“We’ve stayed in contact. He’s helped me some, definitely has," Burrow said of Brady. "That’s what all the great quarterbacks do across time. They continue to help the young guys impart knowledge on them… I appreciate it.”
Brady is not only the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history, he continuously agreed to deals that put him below market value. Only once did his cap number exceed 13% of the salary cap at the time.
It's looking more and more like Burrow and the Bengals are working on a deal that steers from precedent of what Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts signed for this year. Both sides will continue to finalize the contract with the hopes of getting it done prior to Sunday's opener against the Cleveland Browns.
Joe Burrow says what Bengals fans have been desperately waiting to hear
Joe Burrow says what Cincinnati Bengals fans have been desperately waiting to hear for weeks
Featured image via X/Twitter @Bengals
