There is a growing cloud over the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s the future of star quarterback Joe Burrow, particularly if the team continues to struggle to make the playoffs and be competitive.
There are even those who think there is a good chance that Burrow could be on the move. That seems to include Bleacher Report‘s Moe Morton, who argued that the Atlanta Falcons would make sense as a landing spot for Burrow.
“Next offseason, the Falcons will have the third-most cap space across the league with over $148 million. They could offer multiple first-rounders to the Bengals and give Burrow a new deal. Keep in mind that he has only one year of guaranteed money on his contract after the 2026 campaign,” Morton wrote.
“Atlanta has quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa on the roster, but the former is once again recovering from knee surgery after an inconsistent second season, and the latter is only under contract for this year. The Falcons’ new administration can wipe the quarterback slate clean for Burrow in 2027.”
Atlanta might well have the money to land Burrow. It might even be a smart thing to add to a player like Burrow for the Falcons. However, if the frustration from Burrow stems from a lack of success in Cincinnati, then it’s hard to imagine he wants to play for a team that hasn’t had a winning record since 2017.
The Frustration for Joe Burrow with the Cincinnati Bengals Appears to be Real
GettyCincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow
The idea that Joe Burrow is frustrated with the lack of success that the Cincinnati Bengals have had doesn’t come from nowhere. It stems from comments he made late in the 2025 season.
“We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change,” Burrow said in December. “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].”
The success that Burrow has had with the Bengals is undeniable. That includes leading them to the Super Bowl, falling short of winning, though. However, since then, there’s been a step in the wrong direction. The Bengals haven’t made the playoffs since 2022. So, it’s easy to see why frustration might set in.
On top of that, Burrow’s contract is currently a short-term one. He only has one year of guaranteed money following 2026. So, the Bengals need to figure out what the plan is with Burrow.
The Dexter Lawrence Trade Could be a Message to Joe Burrow
GettyCincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow
Ahead of the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals signaled just how determined they are to win now, trading the No. 10 overall pick for Dexter Lawrence. That was a signal to the rest of the NFL that the Bengals believe they’re a player away, and it should have been taken as a message to Joe Burrow too.
Certainly, Adam Schefter thought that was a signal to Burrow. It should show that the Bengals are willing to build around him, and he wouldn’t be better off on another team.
“And then there is a subplot,” Schefter wrote. “This is considered to be a hugely significant season for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati. If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city. The Bengals had to give Burrow and the franchise the best chance to win now. Lawrence does that, more than any player they could have picked at No. 10.”
It remains to be seen if the move helps the Bengals to win. That doesn’t mean Cincinnati isn’t trying, though.
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