Russell Wilson, in his debut on CBS's "NFL Today+", offered a bold prediction regarding Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Wilson suggested that Burrow could leave the Bengals if the team experiences another unsuccessful season. "If it doesn’t go well in Cincinnati this year, Joe Burrow is gone," Wilson stated. "I think he wants to leave. The interesting thing is, where does he go?"
Wilson's comments come as Burrow enters a season where he has expressed his own frustration with the team's performance. Burrow has missed significant time in recent seasons due to injuries, and the Bengals' offensive line has been a point of concern. Last season, Burrow's absence for eight weeks after a Week 2 toe injury contributed to the team's 6-11 record.
Despite these challenges, Burrow has publicly stated his expectation for the Bengals to contend for a Super Bowl this season. "We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change," Burrow told reporters in January. "Whether it’s players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change]."
Burrow is currently under a five-year contract with the Bengals worth $275 million, with $219 million guaranteed, extending through the 2029 season. While his talent makes him a valuable asset, the team has a history of contentious contract situations with other players, such as edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Concerns also persist regarding the offensive line, which Pro Football Focus ranked No. 20 in the NFL entering the season. In their Week 1 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bengals won 33-26, largely due to a strong defensive performance that included five turnovers and a defensive touchdown. Burrow's individual statistics in that game were 254 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.