In a move that warrants no surprise, the Cincinnati Bengals are exercising the fifth-year option on quarterback Joe Burrow, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday, per a source.
The team has since announced the news.
"This is a mechanical step along the way and we will continue to work with Joe and his representatives to secure his long-term future as a Bengal," the team said in a statement on Tuesday.
Burrow joins Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb and Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson as first-round selections from the 2020 NFL Draft to have their fifth-year options picked up so far. Teams have until May 2 to exercise the option on 2020 first-rounders.
Burrow has been a dreamscape in Cincinnati the past two seasons after fully recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained during his rookie year. The 26-year-old broke out in 2021, producing 4,611 passing yards, 34 touchdowns (14 interceptions) and leading the league in completion percentage (70.4) before guiding the Bengals to an appearance in Super Bowl LVI.
Coming off his first Pro Bowl season, where he posted a career-high 35 touchdowns and led Cincy to its second consecutive AFC title game, Burrow is now projected to make $29.5 million in 2024, per Over The Cap.
The next order of business in Cincinnati is retaining its star quarterback for the foreseeable future by way of a long-term contract. Jalen Hurts was the latest QB to cash in after signing a five-year, $255 million contract extension with the Eagles, a deal that set a league record in per-year averages.
Burrow is in line to potentially reset those financial marks.
