The once-unshakable bond between Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals is facing its first significant test of public skepticism. Despite the quarterback’s record-breaking five-year, $275 million extension signed in 2023, reports indicate that a “divorce” between the franchise and its star signal-caller may be on the horizon.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom recently noted that while Burrow remains committed for the upcoming 2026 campaign, figures around the league believe he could become available as soon as the winter of 2027 if the team’s trajectory does not improve.
Burrow has been linked with moves to the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins as both teams search for a new quarterback.
The tension stems from a combination of chronic injury struggles and a roster that critics argue has failed to maintain championship quality.
After a promising run to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season, the Bengals have now missed the postseason for three straight years, finishing the 2025 season with a disappointing 6-11 record.
Burrow‘s own availability has been a primary factor; after returning from a 2023 wrist surgery, he suffered a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season.
Although he returned in Week 13 to lead the team to several blowout wins, the Bengals were already effectively eliminated from contention.
Defensive departures and the “frugal” front office reputation
A looming point of contention is the expected departure of star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
As the new league year approaches on March 11, 2026, the Bengals appear prepared to let the three-time Pro Bowler test free agency rather than meet his projected three-year, $99 million market value.
An unnamed general manager suggested that Burrow may view the lack of an aggressive replacement as a sign that the front office is not fully committed to winning a title.
“This is it,” the general manager explained. “Dude, [the Bengals] aren’t going out and trading for Maxx Crosby or something like that. The defense sucks.
“This is the final year that Chase and Higgins are both there. It’s going to come to a head, trust me.”
Chase and Higgins both earned Pro Bowl honors in 202, the first time a Bengals duo has done so since 2007.
But the defense’s 30th-place ranking in points allowed suggests that the team’s lopsided investment is failing to produce wins.
Without Burrow as well, it could soon get worse for the Bengals before it gets better.
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