Bengals QB Joe Burrow turns into NFL’s highest-paid participant with $275 million deal, AP supply says

NFL

The deal, which pays Burrow a mean of $55 million a 12 months, places him forward of different high quarterbacks within the league who signed new contracts within the offseason.

By ROB MAADDI and MITCH STACY, Related Press

September 8, 2023 | 8:33 AM

CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow turned the highest-paid participant within the NFL on Thursday, agreeing to a five-year, $275 million contract extension, in accordance with an individual acquainted with the deal.

The contract consists of greater than $219 million assured, mentioned the individual, who spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of it hadn’t been introduced.

The deal, which pays Burrow a mean of $55 million a 12 months, places him forward of different high quarterbacks within the league who signed new contracts within the offseason.

Beloved by teammates and followers in Cincinnati, Burrow has reversed the fortunes of the franchise whereas incomes a fame as a decisive and inventive chief with a knack for determining tips on how to choose up yards when performs break down.

Signing the 2022 Professional Bowler and 2021 AP NFL Comeback Participant of the 12 months to an extension was a aim of the crew this summer time, however the deal wasn’t finalized till three days earlier than the Bengals’ season opener at Cleveland.

“That is the place I wish to be my complete profession,” Burrow advised reporters on Wednesday. “You’ve seen what the entrance workplace has finished and what (coach) Zac (Taylor) has finished of their time right here. I’m a small a part of that. I’m excited to be part of that. And now we have nice individuals within the locker room that grind daily, which are excited to go and showcase their skills and excited to go and do it within the metropolis of Cincinnati.”

Burrow has led the Bengals to 2 straight AFC North titles and a Tremendous Bowl after the 2021 season, a 23-20 loss to the Rams. Cincinnati completed 12-4 final 12 months, with Burrow setting franchise single-season data for completions, move makes an attempt and passing touchdowns.

Burrow had season-ending knee surgical procedure in 2020, his rookie 12 months. He instantly turned one of many NFL’s greatest passers upon his return. The notoriously frugal Bengals had not reached a Tremendous Bowl since 1998 and even recorded a playoff win since 1990.

Burrow strained a calf muscle early on this summer time’s coaching camp and was out of motion till final week. He mentioned Wednesday he’s on observe to start out towards the Browns on Sunday.

The marketplace for quarterbacks was set for Burrow in late July when Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert agreed to a five-year, $262.5 million extension.

Herbert’s whole worth and $52.5 million common per season surpassed the $260 million, five-year extension ($52 million common) that Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson signed in April. Deshaun Watson agreed to a totally assured $230 million cope with Cleveland in 2022.

Kansas Metropolis’s Patrick Mahomes is within the third 12 months of a 10-year contract price $450 million, the biggest general deal for a quarterback.

Cincinnati picked up the fifth-year choice on the 26-year-old Burrow’s rookie contract in April forward of the anticipated megadeal, which wasn’t as fast to get finished as each side would have most well-liked.

Bengals proprietor Mike Brown mentioned a 12 months in the past that the crew had begun restructuring funds so as safe a long-term deal for Burrow. The Bengals cleared extra wage cap house when working again Joe Mixon accepted a restructured deal and pay lower this month.

With Burrow locked up, the Bengals can flip their consideration to different gamers, together with broad receiver Tee Higgins, who can also be eligible for an extension. Linebacker Logan Wilson agreed to a four-year extension final month price as much as $37.25 million.

Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase will likely be eligible for an extension after this season. Higgins and Chase each will command salaries that put them among the many highest-paid receivers within the league.