Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle with quarterback Lamar Jackson on a massive contract that made him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Naturally, that led to a lot of NFL fans looking in the direction of the Cincinnati Bengals, who will have a similar situation on their hands next season when they need to negotiate with star quarterback Joe Burrow on a new deal.
Jackson’s five-year deal is worth $260 million with $185 million guaranteed. It also replaced the contract that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts signed two weeks as the highest in league history.
Given that Burrow has already led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance and almost got them back there again last season, all eyes are now on Cincinnati to make their quarterback the highest-paid signal-caller in the league if and when they are able to make that deal.
Joe Burrow looking at Lamar's deal: pic.twitter.com/GhJNEDkCxI
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) April 27, 2023
Joe Burrow watching Jalen Hurts and Lamar sign their deals pic.twitter.com/mJXAlrYH3w
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) April 27, 2023
Joe Burrow just made a lot of money today
— … (@PeppaPike) April 27, 2023
Joe Burrow getting $60 million a year confirmed https://t.co/t7ZrLqqfL7
— 𝕮𝖔𝖔𝖕® (@OhNoCoop) April 27, 2023
That Joe Burrow contract gonna break the internet.
— BROWNS FANS BIG HOMIE🐶🦴🐾 (@cecilford20) April 27, 2023
Burrow has two years left on his rookie deal after the Bengals picked up the fifth-year option. The franchise has referred to the 2024 option as a “mechanical step along the way” while figuring out a long-term deal.
The former LSU star has lived up to the hype and then some as a No. 1 pick. In three seasons, Burrow has completed 68.2 percent of his passes with a 100.4 quarterback rating and has five playoff victories to his credit already.