Quote from Bengals owner last summer might give a big hint about Cincinnati's plans for Joe Burrow's extension
Everyone knows that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is going to receive a contract extension at some point this offseason. Burrow, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, has quickly proved that he's one of the sport's biggest stars. And thanks to Burrow, the Bengals have gone from being a fringe playoff […]
Everyone knows that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is going to receive a contract extension at some point this offseason.
Burrow, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, has quickly proved that he's one of the sport's biggest stars.
And thanks to Burrow, the Bengals have gone from being a fringe playoff team to a legitimate Super Bowl contender on an annual basis.
The big question when it comes to Burrow's extension isn't whether or not he'll receive one from the Bengals. Instead, it's whether or not Burrow will set an NFL record with his new extension.
Most folks are expecting Burrow to become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL when his extension is completed. But the title of highest-paid quarterback in the league probably won't last long for Burrow. There are already reports swirling that Patrick Mahomes will rework his deal after Burrow agrees to an extension with Cincinnati.
And speaking of Mahomes, the 10-year extension he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in early 2020 could very well be the blueprint for Burrow's extension with the Bengals.
Cincinnati owner Mike Brown praised Mahomes' deal last summer, offering some strong comments that certainly seem to suggest it's the type of deal that he's hoping Burrow will sign with the Bengals.
“I sort of like how Mahomes said he doesn’t care about what those guys are getting,” said Brown in 2022. “He’s set for life with what he’s got. And why isn’t that a good way to look at it, I’m thinking?”
Mahomes' lengthy deal gives the Chiefs some flexibility when it comes to restructures and managing the salary cap. The Bengals would love to have the same flexibility, especially with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins looking at potentially lucrative extensions as well.
Of course, Burrow has to see it the same way for this type of deal to work. The good news for Cincinnati is that it sounds like Burrow might be on the same page as Brown.
Chase told reporters during Super Bowl week earlier this year that Burrow knows how he wants his contract set up.
"I think Joe knows what he wants and how he wants to set up his contract to keep some weapons around him," said Chase. "I think that's the biggest part for him."
Fans won't have to wait too much longer to find out what kind of extension Burrow will receive. Something should be worked out by late summer at the latest. And then the Bengals can start making their plans for Chase and Higgins. Those deals could be a bit trickier to work out, but Cincinnati appears to be committed to keeping all three players together for as long as possible.
