One of the most surprising moves the Cincinnati Bengals made this offseason was the decision to restructure Joe Burrow’s contract.
Burrow and the Bengals agreed on a reworked contract on June 9. To create more salary cap space for the team right now after the signing of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the Bengals needed to be creative.
The contract restructuring doesn’t change Burrow’s total compensation. Burrow and the Bengals agreed to a five-year deal worth $275 million ahead of the 2023 season, and he will still receive all of it barring an unprecedented situation. By tweaking his contract and converting a portion of his 2026 base salary into a signing bonus, it allows the Bengals to spread that amount out over the remaining years of his contract that runs through the 2029 season.
Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback was completely open to the move. Burrow’s representation actually approached the Bengals about it this offseason, and the Bengals finally decided it was a decision the team needed to make.
“It opened up some cap space which is good for us,” Burrow said on June 17. “I have been open about how I am willing to do whatever they need me to do so they can operate freely and will continue doing that as needed.”
After missing the playoffs the last three seasons, Burrow made it clear the offseason needed to be dedicated to bringing in more talent and leadership into the locker room. The Bengals have done everything they can to give Burrow as much help as they can.
Not only did the Bengals trade their first-round draft pick to the New York Giants for perennial All-Pro defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, they were active in free agency.
The Bengals bolstered their defense, the clear weak point of the team the past three seasons, by signing free agent safety Bryan Cook, edge rusher Boye Mafe and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Joe Burrow had a difficult 2025-26 season
The 2025-26 season was a challenging one for Burrow physically and mentally. Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury that required surgery. He missed nine games, and when he returned in late November, the Bengals had slim chances of making the postseason. For months, questions swirled around the franchise about Burrow’s happiness.
Because of the way the Bengals executed free agency and the NFL Draft that included the trade for Lawrence, Burrow is energized and full of optimism for the upcoming season as the team breaks for the summer following the conclusion of minicamp.
“I think we are in a great spot,” Burrow said. “We filled just about every hole that we have had. Operationally we are improving. We are bringing in the right kind of people. I think for the most part getting to know the rookies they fit into our culture and what we are trying to do here. We had a great offseason.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Joe Burrow explains why he was open to restructuring his contract
Reporting by Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
