Bengals QB Joe Burrow's comments should keep fueling speculation about future

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow still seems down. 

Last week, Burrow, 29, fueled speculation about his future after implying he no longer enjoys football. On Wednesday, the sixth-year QB hinted he's not planning on retiring early like former Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck, who retired after his age-29 season in 2018. But he suggested he has considered playing for other teams. 

Joe Burrow discusses whether he's ever considered playing elsewhere

When asked about not being the Bengals QB next season, Burrow said, "I can't see that, no." 

But when asked if he's ever pondered playing for another squad, the QB said, "You think about a lot of things." 

Let's not overreact to Burrow's quotes. They're clearly not a public trade request, and he reportedly hasn't indicated he wants out of Cincinnati. That said, they won't silence chatter about his future with the Bengals. 

Burrow — who signed a five-year, $275M deal with the Bengals before the 2023 season — would become one of the most highly coveted players in the league. He led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season and has earned two Pro Bowl nods. 

This season, his numbers are down after he missed nine games with turf toe in his left foot. In five games, he has gone 3-2, completing a career-low 60.5% of his passes for 959 yards, eight touchdown passes and four interceptions. Last season, however, he tossed a league-leading 43 TD passes, winning Comeback Player of the Year for the second time in his career. 

If Burrow wants out of Cincinnati, that's understandable. It's done little to protect him since he arrived in 2020. During that span, he has taken the fourth-most sacks (206) in the league, according to StatMuse. The hits have contributed to his injury issues. The right-handed QB has torn the ACL in his left knee and ligaments in his throwing wrist over his career. 

The Bengals (4-10) have also failed to build a Super Bowl contender around him, missing the playoffs for three straight seasons. 

Burrow could be venting amid another wasted season for the team. The QB added he's dealing with football-related and personal matters, adding to his frustrations. Those may have him believing he's at a crossroads.  

Perhaps he's now wondering if he should consider a change. That may start with a new team, an idea he's at least entertained.