Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow believes he’ll be the starter for the team next year. But he may not be there for his entire career.
Burrow and the Bengals have missed the playoffs yet again after a disastrous 2025 – most of which was without the five-year veteran out of LSU after he suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2.
The two-time Comeback Player of the Year is on a contract extension until 2029. But speaking to reporters, there seemed to be a crack in the door – leaving the possibility of his departure from Ohio open.
When asked by reporters at a press conference if there’s any world where he isn’t back in Cincinnati next year, Burrow replied, ‘I can’t see that, no.’
A follow-up question asked the 29-year-old if he’s thought about possibly not being the quarterback in Cincinnati for the rest of his career.
‘You think about a lot of things,’ Burrow coolly answered.
Bengals star Joe Burrow seemed open to the idea of playing for another team eventually
Burrow has only played half a season after suffering from a turf toe injury in Week 2
Burrow then hinted at being unhappy with staff, saying people within the organization are holding him back from competing.
‘It feels like everybody is trying to do everything in their power to make me not play football, and I feel like I’m fighting it, fighting everybody else,’ Burrow claimed.
He added: ‘I just wanna play ball, that’s all I wanna do.’
Since joining the league, Burrow has battled highs and lows of injuries and deep playoff runs.
In his rookie season, in 2020, Burrow tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee, requiring surgery and a lengthy rehab.
He recovered in time to impress the following season – leading the Bengals all the way to Super Bowl LVI. In 2022, the Bengals reached the AFC Championship game.
The injury bug bit him back in 2023 as Burrow tore his Scapholunate ligament in his right wrist in Week 11. That required more surgery and more rehab.
Burrow returned for a full 2024 season – putting up career-best numbers in completions, attempts, passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Burrow’s tenure in Cincinnati has been defined by the injuries he’s sustained in three seasons
He’s since returned to the field since his earlier injury – putting up 952 yards in five games
After an injury in the second game of the 2025 season, Burrow has since increased his statistical total to 959 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions on the season.
For years, Burrow has been working with one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL with WR1 Ja’Marr Chase and WR2 Tee Higgins.
However, since he arrived in Cincinnati, the offensive line has been a particular area of concern. After this season, multiple linemen are set to become free agents.
With his poor injury luck and three straight years of missing the playoffs, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the 29-year-old may be considering potential alternatives.
This weekend, the Bengals will travel to Florida to take on the Miami Dolphins.
