The Cincinnati Bengals have made their star quarterback Joe Burrow the highest-paid player in NFL history. The Ohio native and Pro Bowl quarterback has agreed to a five-year, $275 million contract extension that includes $219.01 million guaranteed, according to CBS Sports HQ Senior Insider Josina Anderson.
Burrow’s remarkable comeback
Burrow, who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had a sensational rookie season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 11. He threw for 2,688 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games, while also rushing for three scores.
He made a remarkable comeback in 2021, leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1988. He threw for 4,475 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He also led the league in completion percentage (68.3%) and yards per attempt (7.38).
Burrow continued his stellar play in 2022, guiding the Bengals to their second consecutive AFC North title and AFC Championship game appearance. He threw for 4,621 yards, 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while making his second Pro Bowl. He also set a franchise record for passing touchdowns in a single season.
Burrow’s loyalty to Cincinnati
Burrow, who grew up in Athens, Ohio and played college football at Ohio State and LSU, has expressed his desire to stay with the Bengals for his entire career. He said during an interview with NBC Sports during last year’s postseason that he hoped to keep the core of the team intact for as long as possible.
“My plan is to be here my whole career,” Burrow said. “Hopefully, Zac [Taylor] is here my whole career, and hopefully a lot of our guys are around for as long as my career as they can be.”
When asked about his contract on Wednesday, Burrow reiterated his commitment to the Bengals and their fans. He also said that he was ready to start Sunday’s season-opener against the Cleveland Browns, despite missing a month of practice due to a calf injury.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Burrow said. “I love this city, I love this team, I love this organization. They’ve been great to me since I got here, and I want to repay them with my play on the field.”
Burrow’s impact on the NFL
Burrow’s record-breaking deal surpasses the previous mark set by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who signed a 10-year, $450 million contract extension in 2020 that included $141 million guaranteed. Mahomes is widely regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL, and he has won a Super Bowl MVP and a regular season MVP award in his career.
Burrow has shown that he can compete with Mahomes and other elite quarterbacks in the league, such as Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Russell Wilson. He has also proven that he can overcome adversity and lead his team to success. He has won a Heisman Trophy, a national championship and a Comeback Player of the Year award in his career.
Burrow is hoping to add more accolades to his resume, such as a Super Bowl ring and an MVP trophy. He is also aiming to join Ken Anderson and Boomer Esiason as Cincinnati quarterbacks who have won the league’s most prestigious individual award.
Burrow has already made history with his contract extension, but he is not satisfied with just that. He wants to make history with his performance on the field as well.