Joe Burrow Rumors: Bengals Have 'Optimism' That QB Signs New Contract Soon

Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow has been engaged in negotiations for a contract extension throughout the offseason, but he's yet to receive the deal he's been seeking. However, that reportedly could change soon.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, there's a chance the Bengals and Burrow reach an agreement prior to the start of the 2023 season.

"Both Burrow and the Bengals have kept major information from leaking, but based on my discussions, there's optimism in the building and in the locker room that a deal could get done over the next few days," Russini stated.

Burrow has progressed nicely from the calf injury he suffered during training camp and he is expected to start Sunday's season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Russini noted that he fully participated in practice on Monday and he's set to be a full participant again on Wednesday.

While the 26-year-old likely would prefer to have his extension in place prior to Sunday, his playing status reportedly isn't in jeopardy.

"Joe is a competitor. He's not missing a game against the Browns. Not worried about the contract," a league source told Russini.

Burrow is set to make $11.5 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. The Bengals picked up his fifth-year option for the 2024 season, which is valued at $29.5 million. After an offseason that saw star quarterbacks Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert sign massive contract extensions, it's clear that Burrow is next in line.

Herbert, Burrow's 2020 draft classmate, signed a five-year, $262.5 million deal in July that made him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL with an average annual salary of $52.5 million. Burrow's extension is expected to fall within that range, and it sounds like it's just a matter of time before it gets done.