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For a third straight season, the Cincinnati Bengals will be on the outside looking in when the NFL playoffs begin.
Joe Burrow’s future with the team has been a topic of conversation as the Bengals come to terms with the reality of another season that won’t go as planned. The star quarterback recently made comments that seemingly fueled speculation about his status with the franchise that selected him first overall six seasons ago.
On Wednesday, Burrow tried to allay concerns that he could join another NFL franchise as soon as next season.
“A lot of crazy things happen every year,” the two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year told reporters.
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Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025, in Cincinnati. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
“I can’t see that. No.” Burrow added when asked if he could imagine himself in the uniform of another NFL team in 2026. A follow-up question about suiting up for another franchise at some point later in his career elicited a vague response from the star caller: “You think about a lot of things.”
Days before the Bengals were shut out in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Burrow suggested that enjoying the game was a priority, saying he wanted to “go have fun.” [and] play football.”
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He later added that he also continues to want to win games.
“If I’m going to keep doing this, I have to have fun. I’ve been through a lot, and if it’s not fun, then why am I doing it? So that’s the mindset I try to bring to the table.”
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow celebrates after a game against the Denver Broncos in Cincinnati on December 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Burrow finally clarified these remarks.
“My comments had nothing to do with Cincinnati,” he said after the Bengals’ 24-0 loss at Paycor Stadium. “My comments had everything to do with me, my mindset and football.”
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during practice at Paycor Stadium on June 10, 2025. (Kareem Elgazzar/Imagn Images)
Burrow and the Bengals reached an agreement on a long-term contract worth a total of $275 million in 2023. The deal made him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. The contract also included a no-trade clause valid until 2029.
The Bengals will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Cincinnati is expected to face rookie Quinn Ewers in this competition following the Dolphins’ decision Wednesday to bench veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
