Bengals: Former agent reinforces suspicion of Joe Burrow's contract structure
With July right around the corner, we're getting extremely close to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow signing a long-term extension with the team. It's a transaction that will undoubtedly shatter the franchise record for largest contract ever signed. And according to CBS Sports analyst and former NFL agent Joel Corry, it's "practically a forgone conclusion" […]
With July right around the corner, we're getting extremely close to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow signing a long-term extension with the team. It's a transaction that will undoubtedly shatter the franchise record for largest contract ever signed.
And according to CBS Sports analyst and former NFL agent Joel Corry, it's "practically a forgone conclusion" that Burrow's contract will make him the highest-paid player in the league.
Corry took a deep dive into the history of first-round pick contract extensions, and his take on Burrow's upcoming deal aligns with what we already seem to know about it.
The market for Burrow's deal has been established, with Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson creating the floor at just over $50 million per year. Justin Herbert, another first-round pick from the 2020 draft class, is also likely to sign his long-term second contract this offseason. That deal would raise Burrow's floor if signed beforehand.
Cincinnati's financial evolution also has Corry believing Burrow's deal well fall in line with the mega deals being given out to franchise QBs. The team has been busy generating revenue from endorsements and other non-football means, and building wealth to put cash into escrow for Burrow's contract that will likely be closer to $300 million than $200 million.
"The Bengals seemingly have been preparing to give Burrow a contract with a conventional structure. The naming rights to Paul Brown Stadium were sold to Paycor, a Cincinnati-based company specializing in human resources software last August. Additional team sponsors have also been added. These moves will make it easier for the Bengals to comply with the NFL's archaic funding requirements that should come into play for a Burrow contract. Teams are essentially required to put into an escrow account the amount of any guarantees in a contract other than those just for injury, including ones in future contract years." – CBS Sports' Joel Corry
Whatever the final number and number of years are, the deal is going to top any that has come before it, and it may be a minute before another quarterback eclipses it. Patrick Mahomes might be the one who does it if he decides to re-work his 10-year deal that he signed three years ago.
The quarterback contract market is not slowing down anytime soon, and Burrow won't be the one to quell it.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow gives important hint about his looming contract extension
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to receive a contract extension at some point this offseason
Featured image via © Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
