Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow Agree to Record-Breaking Contract Extension
By Dianna Russini, Paul Dehner Jr., and Larry Holder
The Cincinnati Bengals and star quarterback Joe Burrow have reached a historic agreement on a five-year, $275 million contract extension, with $219.01 million guaranteed, according to league sources. This groundbreaking deal, the largest in NFL history, solidifies Burrow’s future with the Bengals and ensures the team’s continued success.
What Matters Most in Burrow’s Deal
While the financial details of the contract are significant, it is crucial to look beyond the numbers and understand the significance of this agreement. The Bengals had to make this happen. They had to plan ahead, make difficult decisions, and invest heavily in one player. By securing Burrow’s long-term commitment, the Bengals have set themselves up for continued success in the foreseeable future. This was a critical task for the team, and they have successfully completed it.
Where the Bengals Went for It
The Bengals have traditionally been criticized for their reluctance to guarantee substantial amounts of money to players. However, with this contract, they have shattered their previous records. The largest guarantee they had ever given before was $31 million to tackle Orlando Brown Jr. in March. Now, they have gone far beyond their comfort zone by guaranteeing $219 million to Burrow. This willingness to invest heavily in the right situation sets a new precedent for the franchise and could have a significant impact on future negotiations with other players, such as Ja’Marr Chase.
How Burrow Stacks Up
Burrow’s advanced metrics and on-field performance indicate that he is among the top quarterbacks in the league. His Expected Points Added per dropback ranks ninth in 2022 and sixth in 2021, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays. Additionally, his passer rating of 100.8 in 2022 (seventh) and 108.3 in 2021 (second) further solidify his status as an elite quarterback.
Furthermore, Burrow has shown growth in various advanced metrics, including a career-high QBR of 58.7 in 2022, a career-best pressure percentage on dropbacks of 26.6 in 2022, and the fastest career average time to throw of 2.40 seconds in 2022. These numbers highlight his development and potential to become one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
The Backstory
Burrow’s journey to this record-breaking contract began during his remarkable 2019 college football season, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led LSU to an undefeated national championship. As the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow’s rookie season was cut short due to a knee injury after ten games. However, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s brightest stars by guiding the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI in 2021 and the AFC Championship game last season.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to invest heavily in Joe Burrow with a record-breaking contract extension demonstrates their commitment to building a successful future. Burrow’s exceptional performance and potential make him a cornerstone of the franchise, and this deal ensures that he will lead the team for years to come. As the Bengals continue to make bold moves and invest in their players, they position themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.