Sources say the Bengals are focusing on this offseason for a Burrow mega-contract extension, as their standout has completed the third 12 months of his rookie contract. Burrow made roughly $3.9 million in money 12 months this 12 months, per Spotrac, and he has one 12 months remaining on his rookie deal along with a fifth-year choice Cincinnati can choose up this offseason.
An extension shall be costly, with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s $46.1 million per 12 months common serving as the ground for negotiations. Serving to pay for a portion of Burrow’s eventual payday is what followers have taken to calling PayJoe Stadium.
Previous to the 2022 common season, the Bengals bought the naming rights to Paul Brown Stadium for the primary time ever. It is now Paycor Stadium, which brings in a determine that the Cincinnati Enterprise Courier estimated at $8-9 million per 12 months.
They’ve an indoor facility that additionally has naming rights — Integrity Specific Logistics, Kettering Well being is the official healthcare companion, altafiber is the Wi-Fi sponsor and there may be even a sports activities betting companion — Betfred.
Plus, attendance went up 10% throughout the 2022 season, the fourth-biggest improve within the league on a per-game foundation.
All of which added income over the previous couple of years, which is able to help the crew when salaries begin to skyrocket. That mentioned, based on these concerned, the crew is not merely loading as much as pay Burrow. In truth, the crew’s current success — thanks partially to Burrow, head coach Zac Taylor and the brand new wave — truly opened enterprise doorways.
When these doorways aren’t open, you’ll be able to’t stroll via is how one particular person concerned described it. Corporations wish to be companions with the Bengals now — no shock that all of it occurs after a Tremendous Bowl run — which has created alternatives elsewhere.
As one other particular person concerned famous, it isn’t like they’d flip down the offers if Burrow wasn’t up for an extension. However definitely, they’ve leaned in and embraced all of it.
Cincy has not lately been a low-spending crew and the previous two offseasons of free company communicate to that. That interval was their window to spend with out having to fret a few long-term deal for his or her QB.
Just a few weeks in the past, Burrow was requested about profitable inside this window.
“The window is my entire profession,” he mentioned.