A couple of NFL executives have recently made a bold prediction that has sent shockwaves through the league. According to these executives, highly-touted quarterback Joe Burrow may not be a member of the Cincinnati Bengals for much longer.
Burrow, who was the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, has been the face of the Bengals franchise since his arrival. He has shown immense potential and has already become a fan favorite in Cincinnati. However, these executives believe that Burrow’s time with the Bengals may be short-lived.
So why do these executives believe that Burrow won’t be with the Bengals for much longer? Let’s take a closer look at the situation.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the Bengals are currently going through a major rebuilding phase. They finished the 2020 season with a dismal 4-11-1 record, and it’s clear that changes need to be made in order for the team to be successful in the future.
One major factor that could lead to Burrow’s departure is the lack of talent around him. The Bengals have struggled to provide Burrow with a solid supporting cast, especially on the offensive line. This has resulted in Burrow being sacked a league-leading 32 times in just 10 games before his season-ending injury.
It’s no secret that Burrow needs better protection in order to succeed at the NFL level. If the Bengals are unable to address this issue in the upcoming offseason, it’s understandable why Burrow may want to explore other options.
Another reason why Burrow’s future with the Bengals is uncertain is the team’s lack of success. Since Burrow’s arrival, the Bengals have only managed to win four games. This is a far cry from the success Burrow experienced in college, where he led LSU to a national championship.
As a highly competitive athlete, it’s only natural for Burrow to want to be a part of a winning team. If the Bengals continue to struggle and fail to make significant improvements, it’s possible that Burrow may want to play for a team with a better chance of winning.
Furthermore, there have been reports that Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor may not see eye to eye. While both have denied any rift between them, it’s clear that there may be some tension between the two. If this is the case, it could also be a factor in Burrow’s potential departure from Cincinnati.
However, despite these concerns, it’s important to remember that Burrow is still under contract with the Bengals for the next three years. This means that the team has the final say on whether or not he stays with the organization. And given Burrow’s talent and potential, it’s unlikely that the Bengals would be willing to part ways with him so soon.
In fact, the Bengals have already shown their commitment to Burrow by selecting his former college teammate and close friend, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, with the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft. This move not only reunites Burrow with one of his favorite targets, but it also shows that the Bengals are serious about building a winning team around him.
Additionally, the Bengals have made significant moves in free agency to improve their roster. They have added key players such as defensive end Trey Hendrickson and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, which should help bolster their defense.
It’s clear that the Bengals are making an effort to turn things around and provide Burrow with the support he needs. And with the upcoming NFL draft and the rest of the offseason, there is still plenty of time for the team to make more improvements.
In conclusion, while it’s understandable why these NFL executives may believe that Joe Burrow won’t be a member of the Cincinnati Bengals for much longer, it’s important to remember that nothing is set in stone. The Bengals have shown their commitment to Burrow and are taking steps to improve the team. And with Burrow’s talent and determination, there’s no doubt that he will do everything in his power to help the Bengals become a winning team. So let’s not jump to conclusions and instead, let’s support Burrow and the Bengals as they work towards a brighter future together.
