The Cincinnati Bengals will kick off their 2026 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in what very well be a year that could determine the long-term future of veteran quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow has remained one of the best quarterbacks in all of football throughout the majority of his six-year NFL career. But recently, the team success has not aligned with his individual excellence on the field.
After reaching the Super Bowl and the Conference Championship Game in his second and third year in the NFL, the Bengals have missed out on the postseason in each of the last three seasons. More news: Former Dolphins QB Predicts Team Will Make Embarrassing NFL History This recent stretch of mediocre performances for the Bengals could lead to a make or break season for the team in the eyes of Joe Burrow, according to longtime NFL quarterback turned CBS NFL analyst Russell Wilson. Discussing Burrow's future in Cincinnati past the 2026 season, Wilson made it incredibly clear that he believes Burrow may depart from the Bengals organization if things go south for the Bengals in 2026.
"I think he's tired of losing," said Wilson. "He has said that a few times. He's really focused on making sure that this is that special year.
Listen, if it doesn't go well in Cincinnati this year, Joe Burrow is gone. I think he wants to leave." More news: Raiders TE Brock Bowers May Not Miss as Much Time as Initially Feared Burrow does remain under contract through the 2029 NFL season. So even if Cincinnati does have the down season that Wilson is referring to, it may be easier said than done for the former No. 1 overall pick to force his way out of the Bengals organization.
Prior to Sunday's season-opening matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the Bengals, Burrow did directly address his future in Cincinnati, claiming that he is "not going anywhere." So Wilson's assertion that Burrow wants to play elsewhere may be off base. That being said, a strong start with a win against the Buccaneers on Sunday certainly wouldn't hurt to potentially ease any concerns that Burrow has related to his team's ability to potentially return to the postseason this year.
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