Joe Burrow Not Rushing Bengals Deal: “It Gets Done When It Gets Done”
CINCINNATI — A day after fellow quarterback Justin Herbert agreed to terms on a record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, Joe Burrow said the development won’t influence his own negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Every quarterback who was in major contract discussions with their respective teams have agreed to terms on a new deal, leaving Burrow as the last one looking for a long-term extension.
“I’m focused on getting a deal done that’s good for us, good for me, good for the team and good for everybody,” Burrow said Wednesday after the Bengals’ first training camp practice.
He was even more succinct when asked if Herbert’s deal will speed up his process.
“It gets done when it gets done,” Burrow said.
At the team’s annual media luncheon earlier in the week, Bengals executives remained tight-lipped about the talks with Burrow and his agent, Bryan Ayrault. Team president Mike Brown said he was “bound” not to discuss the contract in Brown’s only media availability of the calendar year.
Burrow echoed that sentiment on Wednesday, saying that committing to silence was the “best way to do business.”
There also hasn’t been any chatter with Herbert throughout the process. Burrow said the two spoke at the 2020 scouting combine and briefly following their matchup against each other in 2021. Otherwise, Burrow said the two don’t really talk too much.
However, the Bengals’ fourth-year quarterback didn’t rule out any discussions with wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase who will be looking for lucrative extensions on their respective rookie deals. Higgins is currently eligible for a new deal, while Chase can’t enter talks until his third season is over.
Burrow said keeping Higgins and Chase as part of the team’s long-term core is the ideal situation.
“You want to keep guys together for a long time and build chemistry and that translates onto the field,” Burrow said.
Any thoughts about the contract process didn’t hinder Burrow’s performance at Wednesday’s practice.
He said the day went “pretty damn good” as he made good pre-snap adjustments at the line of scrimmage, made good decisions and threw the ball well. After practice, Burrow said he’s able to focus on multiple things simultaneously, and when it’s time to play football, he can concentrate on that.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he hasn’t seen any change from Burrow since he reported with the rookies on July 22.
“I really like the approach I’ve seen,” Taylor said. “And that’s not shocking to me.”
As the Bengals chase a third straight AFC North title and another deep playoff run, Burrow said he’s already felt that he’s around a special group, much like the last two versions of the Bengals that reached the AFC Championship Game.
And when it came to the idea of potentially skipping workouts until there’s resolution on his contract, Burrow said he wants to make the most of his preparation for the upcoming year.
“I’ve wasted enough days over the last two years with injuries, appendicitis, COVID year before that,” Burrow said. “I don’t want to get out of camp wishing I had seven more days that I could have got better. So that’s the reason I’m here.”
As for other developments out of the Bengals’ first practice, new offensive tackle Orlando Brown and defensive end Trey Hendrickson were involved in a scuffle in one of the first team reps of training camp.
Also, punter Drue Chrisman, who is competing for his roster spot, is hospitalized with an undisclosed medical condition and missed Wednesday’s practice, Taylor told reporters.
Heading: Joe Burrow Remains Patient in Contract Negotiations with Bengals
Introduction:
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is not feeling rushed to finalize his contract extension, despite seeing his fellow quarterbacks secure lucrative deals. Burrow’s focus remains on reaching an agreement that benefits both himself and the team. While other quarterbacks have already signed their extensions, Burrow is content with allowing the negotiation process to take its course. In this article, we delve into Burrow’s mindset and his commitment to the Bengals.
Burrow’s Patient Approach:
Burrow made it clear that he is not influenced by the recent contract signings of other quarterbacks, such as Justin Herbert. He emphasized that his priority is securing a deal that is mutually beneficial for all parties involved. Burrow’s calm and patient approach to negotiations reflects his dedication to finding the best outcome for himself and the Bengals.
Silence is Golden:
The Bengals’ front office has remained tight-lipped about the ongoing discussions with Burrow and his agent, Bryan Ayrault. Team president Mike Brown has refrained from commenting on the contract, adhering to a policy of silence. Burrow echoed this sentiment, stating that maintaining confidentiality is the best approach to conducting business.
No Communication with Herbert:
Despite being in similar contract negotiations, Burrow revealed that he has not had any discussions with Justin Herbert throughout the process. The two quarterbacks briefly spoke at the 2020 scouting combine and after their matchup in 2021. However, their communication has been limited. Burrow’s focus remains on his own negotiations and ensuring a bright future for the Bengals.
Future Extensions:
While Burrow’s contract remains unresolved, he expressed openness to discussing extensions with wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Both players have shown promise and are integral to the team’s long-term plans. Burrow believes that maintaining a cohesive core group will lead to success on the field.
Unfazed Performance:
Despite the ongoing contract negotiations, Burrow’s performance on the field remains unaffected. He showcased his skills during the Bengals’ first training camp practice, making pre-snap adjustments, displaying good decision-making, and throwing the ball well. Burrow’s ability to focus on multiple aspects simultaneously highlights his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
Coach’s Approval:
Bengals coach Zac Taylor commended Burrow’s approach, stating that he has seen no change in the quarterback’s attitude since reporting to camp. Taylor expressed his confidence in Burrow’s commitment to the team’s goals and praised his unwavering focus.
A Special Group:
Burrow believes that the Bengals have the potential to be a special team, reminiscent of the previous versions that reached the AFC Championship Game. With the goal of securing a third straight AFC North title and making a deep playoff run, Burrow is determined to maximize his preparation for the upcoming season.
No Time to Waste:
Burrow’s past experiences with injuries and setbacks have taught him the value of every day of preparation. He emphasized that he does not want to leave training camp with any regrets, wishing he had more time to improve. Burrow’s dedication to making the most of his time on the field showcases his commitment to personal growth and team success.
Other Developments:
Aside from contract negotiations, the Bengals’ training camp saw a scuffle between new offensive tackle Orlando Brown and defensive end Trey Hendrickson during one of the team’s first reps. Additionally, punter Drue Chrisman missed practice due to an undisclosed medical condition, raising concerns about his roster spot.
Conclusion:
Joe Burrow’s patient approach to contract negotiations demonstrates his commitment to finding a deal that benefits both himself and the Cincinnati Bengals. While other quarterbacks have already secured extensions, Burrow remains focused on reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties involved. His dedication to personal growth and team success is evident in his unwavering focus during training camp. As the Bengals aim for another successful season, Burrow’s leadership and determination will be crucial in achieving their goals.