CINCINNATI — The Bengals have secured the future for their long-term quarterback.
Joe Burrow reached an agreement on a five-year, $275 million extension that includes $219.01 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.
The contract averages $55 million per year. The deal ends months of negotiations and rewards a player who has flipped Cincinnati’s fortunes.
“This is where I want to be my whole career,” Burrow told reporters on Wednesday. “You’ve seen what the front office has done and what [coach] Zac [Taylor] has done in their time here. I’m a small part of that. I’m excited to be a part of that. And we have great people in the locker room that grind every day, that are excited to go and showcase their talents and excited to go and do it in the city of Cincinnati.”
Burrow’s deal was reached after other top NFL quarterbacks received new contracts. In late July, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert signed a five-year deal that averages $52.5 million a year, according to Schefter. The Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and the Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson also signed lucrative extensions that briefly made them the highest-paid players.
In 2019, the Bengals were the NFL’s worst team and finished the season with two wins, matching the lowest total in franchise history. That put them in position to draft Burrow, who led LSU to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy.
After Burrow’s rookie season was derailed by a season-ending ACL and MCL injury in his left knee, he rebounded in 2021 to lead Cincinnati in its best campaign in three decades. The Bengals won their first playoff game since January 1991 and reached the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989. Burrow was named the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
In 2022, Burrow enjoyed his best pro season despite recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured appendix days before the start of training camp. He finished 10th in QBR and hit the minimum attempts threshold to be the NFL’s career leader in completion percentage (68.2%).
“He’s a motivated player, he’s a motivated teammate, he’s a motivated leader,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said at the team’s annual media luncheon in July. “He puts the time in to make sure that he is ready to go and then he drives others to be ready to go.
“So all the things we liked about him from the very start have been true and he’s kept that up.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move to secure their future by signing quarterback Joe Burrow to a record-breaking contract extension. The five-year deal is worth a staggering $275 million, with $219.01 million guaranteed, making Burrow the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Burrow expressed his excitement about the extension, stating that he wants to spend his entire career with the Bengals. He praised the team’s front office and head coach Zac Taylor for their efforts in building a competitive team. Burrow also highlighted the talented players in the locker room who are eager to showcase their skills and bring success to the city of Cincinnati.
The negotiations for Burrow’s contract extension took several months but have finally come to a fruitful conclusion. The deal not only rewards Burrow for his outstanding performance on the field but also reflects his ability to turn around the fortunes of the Bengals franchise.
Burrow’s extension comes on the heels of other top NFL quarterbacks signing lucrative contracts. Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers signed a five-year deal worth an average of $52.5 million per year, while Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens also secured substantial extensions. However, Burrow’s contract surpasses them all, solidifying his status as the highest-paid player in the league.
The Bengals’ decision to draft Burrow in 2019 proved to be a turning point for the franchise. Prior to his arrival, the team had a dismal season, finishing with only two wins. However, Burrow’s exceptional talent and leadership skills propelled the Bengals to new heights. In his rookie season, he led LSU to a national championship and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury in his rookie year, Burrow bounced back in 2021 and led the Bengals to their best campaign in three decades. The team won their first playoff game since 1991 and made it to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989. Burrow’s remarkable comeback earned him the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
In 2022, Burrow continued to impress despite recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured appendix. He finished the season ranked 10th in QBR and set a new NFL record for career completion percentage at 68.2%.
The Bengals’ front office and coaching staff have been impressed with Burrow’s dedication and motivation. They have praised his work ethic and leadership qualities, highlighting his ability to inspire and drive his teammates to perform at their best.
With Burrow locked in for the long term, the Bengals can now focus on building a strong team around him and continue their quest for success. The record-breaking contract extension not only secures the future of the franchise but also sends a clear message that the Bengals are committed to winning and providing their star quarterback with the support he needs.
In conclusion, Joe Burrow’s contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals is a significant milestone for both the player and the franchise. The record-breaking deal solidifies Burrow’s status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks and demonstrates the Bengals’ commitment to building a winning team. With Burrow leading the way, the future looks bright for the Bengals and their passionate fanbase.