Massive irony in Joe Burrow signing a record contract with Bengals

Sayre Bedinger

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow speaks Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Paycor Stadium after signing his record-setting contract. Burrow became the highest-paid player in NFL history on an annual basis at $55 million per year.

The Bengals, who under owner Mike Brown have been known for their frugality and being “cheap” have given out the biggest deal in league history on an average annual value basis ($55 million per year). Five years, $275 million in total money, and a whopping $219 million in guarantees. Believe it or not, but this is the first time in Cincinnati Bengals history that a contract has been given out with guaranteed money beyond the first year.

Never before had the Bengals delivered guaranteed money beyond the first season of a contract. They have now with Joe Burrow.

Does any of this surprise anyone? It shouldn't anymore.

Cincinnati is adapting to the times, writes @pauldehnerjr.https://t.co/vCfjvSAsQy
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 9, 2023

The Bengals just needed the right QB to open up the checkbook.

Joe Burrow’s ridiculous football career thus far

Let’s take a look at some of the unbelievable accomplishments of Joe Burrow up to this point, at just 27 years old.

CFB Playoff National Champion at LSU (2019)
Heisman Trophy Winner
No. 1 overall pick in 2020 NFL Draft
Made it to Super Bowl in second NFL season
Biggest contract (average annual value) in NFL history by 4th NFL season

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Sayre Bedinger

Sayre Bedinger is a site expert for FanSided who has covered the Denver Broncos since 2013. Sayre's Broncos fandom developed after his grandparents relocated to Estes Park, CO during the John Elway glory days, and that passion for the team has resulted in many years and thousands of articles covering the team. Sayre is also the site co-expert of FanSided's NFL Spin Zone, providing coverage of the entire league. He is also a contributor for FanSided's Lombardi Ave (Packers), The Landry Hat (Cowboys), and a number of other local sites covering NFL teams. Sayre was inducted into the FanSided Hall of Fame in 2017. He is also the co-host of the Locked On Broncos Podcast and has been featured as a regular contributor on Bleacher Report. Sayre is a Disney World fanatic who hopes to take his family on trips there multiple times a year.