CINCINNATI — In a groundbreaking move, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has officially become the highest-paid player in the NFL. According to a confidential source, Burrow has agreed to a lucrative five-year, $275 million contract extension. The deal, including an impressive $219 million in guaranteed money, positions Burrow even further ahead of his fellow top-tier quarterbacks who recently signed new contracts during the offseason.
A Goal Achieved
Securing an extension for the 2022 Pro Bowler and 2021 AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year was a paramount objective for the team this summer. However, finalizing the agreement proved to be a last-minute accomplishment, with the announcement taking place merely three days prior to the Bengals’ highly anticipated season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
Building for a Bright Future
Addressing reporters, Burrow expressed his elation about the long-term commitment and shared his enthusiasm for remaining with the Bengals throughout his entire career. He commended the notable achievements of the front office and head coach Zac Taylor, highlighting their instrumental roles in shaping the franchise. Additionally, he emphasized the dedication and talent within the team’s locker room, noting their unwavering commitment to showcase their abilities in the city of Cincinnati.
Overcoming Challenges
Burrow encountered a setback during training camp when he strained a calf muscle, forcing him to temporarily halt his training regimen. Fortunately, he has since made a strong recovery and confidently declared his readiness to start against the Browns in their upcoming game on Sunday.
Raising the Bar
The bar was already set for Burrow in late July when Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert secured his own noteworthy five-year, $262.5 million contract extension. However, Burrow’s newly minted deal surpasses Herbert’s milestone, solidifying his position as the highest-paid player in the league.
Witnessing this groundbreaking contract extension, football fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season and Burrow’s continued success as the Bengals’ star quarterback.
# Quarterback Contracts: Joe Burrow’s Megadeal with the Bengals
The landscape of quarterback contracts in the NFL continues to evolve, with each megadeal seemingly surpassing the last. The latest addition to the list is Cincinnati Bengals’ signal caller, Joe Burrow. Amid high anticipation, both parties successfully negotiated a record-breaking contract extension.
Burrow’s new deal, worth an impressive $260 million over five years, includes an average annual salary of $52 million. This surpasses the $52.5 million average per season earned by Deshaun Watson in his 2022 agreement with the Cleveland Browns. Furthermore, Burrow’s deal also overshadows Lamar Jackson’s $230 million fully guaranteed contract with Baltimore.
Burrow, who is just 26 years old, had shown tremendous promise since joining the Bengals. Under his leadership, the team secured two consecutive AFC North titles and even made it to the Super Bowl in 2021, albeit with a heartbreaking 23-20 loss to the Rams.
Last year, Burrow set several franchise single-season records with impressive performances, including the highest number of completions, pass attempts, and passing touchdowns. These accomplishments further solidified his position as a key player for the Bengals.
Bengals owner Mike Brown had previously expressed his commitment to securing a long-term deal for Burrow, undertaking financial restructuring to meet this goal. The recent acceptance of a restructured contract and pay cut by running back Joe Mixon further freed up salary cap space for the team.
With Burrow’s extension now in place, the Bengals can shift their focus towards other valuable players, such as wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins, who is also eligible for a contract extension, has proven himself to be a crucial asset to the team. In fact, just last month, linebacker Logan Wilson signed a four-year extension worth up to $37.25 million.
Looking ahead, star receiver Ja’Marr Chase is set to become eligible for an extension following this season. Both Higgins and Chase are expected to command salaries that will place them among the league’s top-paid receivers.
As the NFL continues to witness extraordinary contract negotiations, Burrow’s megadeal stands as a testament to his on-field contributions and the Bengals’ commitment to building a competitive team for years to come.
