WATCH: $275 Million QB Returns to Action for Bengals
The Bengals’ Future Rests on Joe Burrow’s Health
Few teams in the NFL can say their entire future rests on one player, but the Cincinnati Bengals are one of those teams. That player is quarterback Joe Burrow, who became a trending topic on X on May 6 after he returned to practice and started throwing the football for the first time since suffering a season-ending wrist injury that required surgery against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 11, 2023.
This was Burrow’s second season-ending injury in four seasons, following major knee surgery as a rookie in 2020. In total, Burrow has missed 16 games due to injury since 2020, including seven games to end the 2023 season.
The Bengals were quick to share the news, posting a video of Burrow throwing on their official X account with the caption “HE IS SO BACK.” This underscores the importance of Burrow’s health and availability to the team’s future success.
HE IS SO BACK. pic.twitter.com/ZsZjzkZEmg
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) May 6, 2024
Burrow Signed Record-Setting Contract in 2023
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a massive investment in quarterback Joe Burrow, signing him to a 5-year, $275 million contract extension in March 2023 that makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history, with an average annual salary of $55 million.This payday was well-earned for Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU. He has led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021 and the AFC Championship Game in 2022, cementing his status as a franchise-altering talent.
The Bengals’ investment in Burrow has also paid dividends off the field, as the team’s franchise value has increased exponentially since his arrival. In 2019, the year before Burrow was drafted, the Bengals were valued at $2 billion. By 2023, that valuation had risen to $3.5 billion.However, the Bengals struggled in 2023 when Burrow missed significant time due to a season-ending wrist injury.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning filled in admirably, but the Bengals missed the playoffs for the first time since Burrow’s rookie season, finishing 9-8 and last in the AFC North.The Bengals’ future success is undoubtedly tied to Burrow’s health and availability. His return to practice and throwing the football is a positive sign for the team as they look to bounce back in 2024.
Bengals’ Offensive Reinforcements for Burrow
With Joe Burrow’s return, the Cincinnati Bengals not only have their star quarterback back but also boast a strong supporting cast around him. LSU teammate and standout wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is among the NFL’s elite at his position, while Tee Higgins will play on the franchise tag in 2024, adding depth to the receiving corps.
In the 2024 NFL draft, the Bengals bolstered their offensive arsenal to support Burrow. They selected Georgia’s massive offensive tackle Amarius Mims in the first round (No. 18 overall), providing additional protection for Burrow, although Mims may initially play behind Trent Brown at right tackle.
For immediate impact, Cincinnati picked Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third round (No. 80 overall). Burton, a potential plug-and-play starter, dropped in the draft due to off-field concerns but brings a dynamic skill set to the Bengals. He showcased his abilities at Georgia before transferring to Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide in 2023 with 39 receptions for 798 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 20.5 yards per catch.
Described as having a versatile skill set with explosive playmaking abilities and strong ball skills, Burton is seen as a valuable addition to complement Chase and Higgins. Despite concerns, his downfield threat and reliability make him a promising asset for the Bengals’ offense from the outset.
