Joe Burrow hit with uncomfortable ‘availability’ question

Originally posted on CincinnatiBengalsCommunity
By Debanjali Rakshit | Last updated Jul 26, 2026 2:07 AM ET

Joe Burrow is still considered one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. But not everyone believes he should be ranked that high.

Burrow was rated the No. 4 quarterback in ESPN’s offseason survey, which was based on votes from NFL coaches, scouts, and executives. During ESPN’s First Take, former NFL defensive end Chris Canty questioned where Burrow has earned that spot.

“I don’t understand why we still have this consensus around Joe Burrow being a top five quarterback,” Canty said on July 21. “I don’t get it. First of all, the best ability is availability. In two of the last three years, Joe Burrow has missed two months of the season.”

Burrows’ 2025 season didn’t last long. He suffered a turf toe injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. The injury tore ligaments in his big toe, and he was done for the year.

On ESPN’s First Take, Canty argued that Burrow’s injuries have played a role in Cincinnati.

“I’m tired of all of the Joe Burrow sick-o fans and all of the people that are in the excuse-making business for this dude,” Canty added. “Joe Burrow has exactly what he wants. And guess what, it’s amounted to zero playoff wins for the Cincinnati Bengals over the last four years.”

He also questioned why Burrow continues to receive so much praise.

“I don’t understand how we’re giving Joe Burrow all of these kudos, all of these accolades, all of this praise for once upon a time making a Super Bowl that they just so happened to lose,” Canty said.

In eight games, Burrow threw for 1,809 yards and 17 TDs (66.8% completion).

Not everyone sees Burrow the same way, though. While some continue to question his standing among the NFL’s elite, others believe he’s set up for his biggest season yet.

Could Joe Burrow be the NFL’s best quarterback in 2026?

The Bengals have made it clear that they are aiming for a deep playoff run, and Sports Illustrated writer Albert Breer believes Joe Burrow could be right at the center of it.

“Count me among those who can see a world in which Burrow is the best quarterback in football this year and the Bengals are in the Super Bowl,” Breer wrote on SI on July 20. “Perhaps against those same Rams they faced in that same stadium on that same stage they climbed on in February 2022.”

Cincinnati traded for Dexter Lawrence II and added Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe in free agency to strengthen a unit that finished 31st in the league last season. The defense ranked 17th during the Bengals’ run to Super Bowl LVI in 2021.

It’s been four years since that Super Bowl appearance, and three years since Cincinnati last reached the playoffs.

With a revamped defense and Burrow leading the offense, Breer believes the Bengals have a real opportunity to get back into the championship conversation.

Does Joe Burrow still deserve a spot among the NFL’s top five quarterbacks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

This article first appeared on CincinnatiBengalsCommunity and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: