The 28-year-old star quarterback made an appearance on FSI’s morning show Breakfast Ball on Thursday, where he discussed various topics related to the Cincinnati Bengals, who fell short of making the playoffs this season.
Speaking with ESPN ahead of Super Bowl 59, Burrow reflected on the challenging offseason ahead for his team, as the Bengals face key decisions regarding the futures of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson.
During the interview, Burrow emphasized the importance of keeping the team’s core intact, expressing that the players in question share the same desire to stay together.
“We have the cap space to make it happen. I want to get it done. Trey, Tee, Ja’Marr, Mike [Gesicki]—we all want to stay together,” Burrow stated. “When you have guys that are motivated like that, I think you can make it work.”
The Bengals currently have approximately $46.5 million in cap space, not including allocations for the 2025 draft class, practice squad, and performance-based bonuses. However, by making certain roster cuts, the team could free up an additional $30 million, potentially bringing their total cap space to nearly $60 million entering free agency.
Burrow also revealed his willingness to restructure the five-year, $250 million contract he signed in September 2023 to help retain key players.
“I understand how crucial it is to keep great players together, and I’m willing to do what it takes—I know they are too,” he said on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. “Hopefully, the organization does what’s necessary to keep everyone here.”
Chase, a four-time Pro Bowler, is seeking a contract extension, while Higgins is set to hit free agency after playing on the franchise tag last season. Meanwhile, Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks in 2024, is entering the final year of his contract and has made it clear that he wants an extension or will request a trade.
The Bengals are also dealing with a total of 23 impending free agents, 18 of whom are unrestricted.
Cincinnati finished the season with a 9-8 record, which doesn’t fully capture their rocky start—they lost four of their first five games before rallying to end the season on a five-game winning streak, ultimately missing the playoffs.
Burrow, who led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns in 2024, is a finalist for the AP MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year awards, which will be announced at the NFL Honors on Thursday.
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