Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has arrived at training camp and it feels like the countdown to a contract extension has officially started.
And if Burrow’s extension happens soon, similar developments for names like wide receiver Tee Higgins and linebacker Logan Wilson could unfold quickly.
The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway recently touched on this point after Burrow’s arrival, writing that sources have indicated that “no player who is eligible or hopeful for an extension or new deal believes they will get theirs until Burrow gets his.”
That’s been the presumed case since the beginning, with Burrow’s arrival finally making it feel like the ball will get rolling soon. Both quarterback and team have confirmed talks continue to take place. Given the complicated nature of a long-term extension for a player of Burrow’s caliber, it’s only natural that all other business would have to wait.
Burrow’s showing up aligns with everything he has said publicly. In a reassuring note to fans, he’s even talked about being mindful during his extension talks of keeping the guys around him for the long-term.
Beyond obvious extensions for Higgins and Wilson, the Bengals have Ja’Marr Chase to think about next summer. There’s always an outside chance the team works to get something done with players who have just one year left on their current deals too, such as DJ Reader, Trey Hendrickson and even Tyler Boyd.
In short, Burrow’s presence with the Bengals means a handful of major moves could be in the works, not just a single team-altering extension.
