Bengals get new warning about possible Joe Burrow decision

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow made it known throughout the spring that he is optimistic about what the Bengals can accomplish after the team made multiple moves to bolster its defense this offseason. 

NFL insider Dan Graziano of ESPN suggested that the Bengals should be at least a little nervous about how Burrow could react if Cincinnati misses the playoffs for a fourth straight year. 

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"Cincinnati has spent a ton of money to keep the offense together the way Burrow wants it, and the front office has stretched its resources this offseason in uncharacteristic ways to try to fix the defense," Graziano wrote. "With all of the other three teams in the AFC North in transition phases under new head coaches, the opportunity is there for the Bengals to return to the top of the division and compete for an AFC championship. If they do not, you're going to once again hear people on the outside wonder how long Burrow will want to be there. And next offseason could bring more significant roster and staff changes than we've seen in Cincinnati in a while."

While Burrow signed a five-year, $275M contract extension in September 2023, whispers surfaced this past winter hinting that he could look to leave the Bengals in early 2027 if he is unhappy with the state of the franchise at that time. Those running the organization seemingly took such chatter seriously, as the club acquired big-name talents such as defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, defensive end Boye Mafe, safety Kyle Dugger and safety Bryan Cook during the offseason. 

"Over the three-year stretch from 2023 to 2025," Graziano explained, "Cincinnati ranked 10th in the NFL in offensive (expected points added) and 29th in defensive EPA."

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Graziano also pointed out that Burrow "needs to stay healthy to give the Bengals the best possible chance." 

Months after the Bengals made Burrow the first overall pick of the 2020 draft, he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in November of that year. His 2023 campaign ended prematurely because of a wrist injury, and he more recently suffered a toe injury in Week 2 last season that kept him sidelined until Week 13. 

Graziano is among those who believe the Bengals could at least consider moving on from head coach Zac Taylor if the club fails to notch a postseason win in January 2027. One can only guess what such a decision would mean for Burrow's long-term future in Cincinnati.