What's Keeping Joe Burrow and the Bengals From Agreeing to Long-Term Extension?

A new deal should be coming soon, but why is it taking so long?

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Sep 7, 2023 7:25 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow practiced in full on Wednesday prior to talking to the media for the first time since he suffered a calf strain on July 27.

One big questions has been answered. Burrow expects to play on Sunday against the Browns, despite missing nearly five weeks and most of training camp with a calf injury.

That's great news for the Bengals and for the star quarterback, but one major question still lingers: Will Burrow have a new contract before he takes the field in Cleveland?

"It’ll come when it comes but I’m focused on beating the Browns right now," Burrow said. "That's the last thing I'm thinking about."

The Bengals want to sign him to a long-term extension. They know how valuable he is to the franchise.

"Joe Burrow is the heart of the football team," Bengals President and Owner Mike Brown said in July.

Burrow doesn't have any reservations about staying in Cincinnati.

"This is where I want to be my whole career. We’re working toward making that happen," he said on Wednesday. "You’ve seen what the front office has done and what 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. We have the best fans and so this is where I want to be."

If the Bengals want to sign Burrow and he wants to get a deal done, what's keeping them from reaching an agreement?

Negotiations can be complicated. There could be one little detail keeping the two sides from agreeing to a deal.

Burrow could've applied public pressure, but he went the opposite route.

"I'm gonna keep playing well," he said. "I feel great about the organization and everybody in the locker room and in the coaching staff, and so, that's the icing on the cake to me. I'm just excited to be out here."

He sounded indifferent about an extension. Of course he wants to get it done, but rather than saying he wasn't willing to play until they reach an agreement, he's going the opposite route.

It makes sense, even if most players wouldn't go down this path. Burrow knows who he is as a player. He knows his value. Rather than creating drama around negotiations, he defused it and made it clear that he'll play without a new deal.

That puts the ball in the Bengals' court. There's reason to believe they're close to an agreement. Burrow might not blink ahead of Sunday's season opener. Will the Bengals front office give in to whatever Burrow is looking for from them?

An extension could be reached at anytime. If Burrow is willing to play on his current contract, then it puts some pressure on the Bengals front office to get an agreement in place before Sunday's game in Cleveland.

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