Joe Burrow, the franchise quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, has become one of the most valuable players in the NFL since being drafted in 2020. With his strong performances leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance and multiple deep playoff runs, Burrow is undeniably a cornerstone of the Bengals’ future. As he approaches a major contract extension, Burrow has made it clear that he’s willing to work with the Bengals to help reduce his cap hit in order to keep the team competitive and maintain a winning roster.

In an interview with Pro Football Talk, Burrow outlined how the Bengals can structure his new deal to provide more flexibility in the salary cap and allow them to surround him with the talent necessary for sustained success. Here’s a look at Burrow’s comments and how his willingness to help the team financially could impact the Bengals’ future.

Burrow’s Commitment to Team Success

One of the most remarkable things about Joe Burrow is his team-first mentality. While he undoubtedly deserves a lucrative extension, Burrow understands that a large contract could have negative implications on the team’s ability to build around him. This is why he’s open to working with the Bengals’ front office to structure his deal in a way that doesn’t cripple the team’s salary cap.

In his conversation with Pro Football Talk, Burrow expressed that he’s aware of the business side of football and how important it is for the Bengals to be able to keep their key players, such as wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, defensive star Trey Hendrickson, and running back Joe Mixon, among others. “It’s important to me that we’re able to keep this team together,” Burrow said. “I want to win Super Bowls, and we need the right pieces in place to do that. I’m willing to do my part to make sure that we’re not limited by the cap and that we have the chance to keep competing at the highest level.”

How Burrow’s Deal Could Impact the Bengals’ Cap Flexibility

Burrow’s current contract, which runs through the 2025 season, is a rookie deal that pays him a modest salary compared to his market value. However, with the extension looming, the Bengals will need to make some tough financial decisions. Burrow is projected to command a massive contract, potentially surpassing Patrick Mahomes as the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. His new deal is likely to come with a hefty cap hit, which could limit the Bengals’ ability to make other moves in free agency or retain key players.

But Burrow is willing to help ease the team’s financial burden. According to Burrow, one of the ways he could reduce his cap hit is by allowing the Bengals to front-load his contract, which would result in higher salaries in the early years of the deal. This would allow the team to spread the costs of the deal over the course of several years, making it more manageable in the long term.

Another possibility is structuring his contract with more guaranteed money, but with the option to take less of a salary upfront, allowing the Bengals to reallocate funds toward other areas of the team. Burrow emphasized that his goal isn’t to be the highest-paid player in the league, but rather to ensure the Bengals can maintain a roster that is built to win.

Why This Approach Could Benefit Both Burrow and the Bengals

Burrow’s willingness to be flexible with his contract is not only beneficial for the Bengals but also for him in the long run. By reducing his cap hit, Burrow increases the team’s chances of winning a Super Bowl sooner, which ultimately boosts his legacy. In the NFL, success is measured by championships, and Burrow knows that by making personal sacrifices, he can help bring a title to Cincinnati, which would elevate his status as one of the all-time greats.

Additionally, Burrow’s actions are a stark contrast to some other star players around the league who have opted for the most lucrative contracts possible, even if it meant weakening the overall roster. Burrow’s commitment to team success speaks volumes about his leadership and his desire to create a lasting legacy in Cincinnati, a city that has long struggled to field championship-caliber teams.

From the Bengals’ perspective, Burrow’s willingness to reduce his cap hit could be a game-changer. With a more manageable salary cap, the team could reinvest in key areas, whether that be strengthening the offensive line to protect Burrow, adding depth at linebacker, or securing long-term contracts for other standout players like Chase and Hendrickson. This flexibility gives the Bengals the opportunity to continue competing for championships, something that would not be possible with a quarterback contract that consumes a majority of the cap.

What This Means for the Bengals’ Future

The Bengals are already one of the most talented teams in the NFL, thanks in large part to Burrow’s elite play at quarterback. But to win a Super Bowl, a team needs more than just a great QB—it needs a complete roster. With Burrow helping to reduce his cap hit, the Bengals will be in a stronger position to make moves in free agency, sign key players to long-term deals, and keep their championship window wide open.

Burrow’s willingness to be a team player could be a blueprint for future star quarterbacks, showing that prioritizing team success and maintaining roster flexibility can lead to sustained success. The question now becomes whether the Bengals can take advantage of this flexibility and build a team around Burrow that can challenge for titles in the coming years.

As Burrow prepares for his massive contract extension, one thing is clear: he’s not just looking to get paid—he’s looking to win. And if his willingness to work with the Bengals on his contract is any indication, this could be the start of a new era in Cincinnati, one where Burrow leads the team to glory and etches his name into NFL history.