Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has asserted that he never considered leaving the team, pushing back against speculation that surfaced during the offseason. Burrow, 29, who has been with the Bengals since being selected first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, spoke ahead of the team's 2026 season opener.
"It was never a question in my mind," Burrow told FOX19. "I am where my feet here and I try to attack every day with a championship mindset. And I love it here. I love everything about this place, so we're going to make it work."
Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract with the Bengals in September 2023. Despite leading the team to Super Bowl LVI in his second season and reaching the AFC Championship game the following year, the team has not advanced to the playoffs since 2022, a period marked by injuries and inconsistent performance. These struggles had fueled rumors about Burrow's potential departure.
However, Burrow reiterated his commitment earlier this week, stating, "I mean what I say. I'm here for the long haul. I'm not going anywhere."
Burrow's current contract extends through the 2029 season. His key receiving targets, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, are also under contract through 2029 and 2028, respectively. This core trio represents a significant portion of the team's salary cap.
Last season, Burrow was limited to eight games due to a toe injury. While he earned Pro Bowl honors, the Bengals finished 12th in scoring and 17th in total yardage. Reflecting on his injury and the team's performance, Burrow noted the importance of enjoyment in his career. "If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing this," he said in December. "I have been through a lot. If it's not fun, then what am I doing it for? That is the mindset I am trying to bring to the table."
Burrow concluded by expressing pride in his role with the Bengals. "I'm just really proud to be quarterback of the Bengals. I'm happy to be here. I'm proud to represent the city of Cincinnati, state of Ohio, the Brown family. I'm just proud and I want to make everybody else proud, too."
The Bengals are scheduled to begin their 2026 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.