Cincinnati Bengals fans can probably agree with ESPN on the predicted final move of the offseason for the team.
After all, if fans were asked what single roster move the Bengals should still make, it would probably be the extension of quarterback Joe Burrow.
That’s what ESPN’s Field Yates projects as his one final, must-do move for the Bengals:
Any time a team has a star quarterback who is due for an extension and it hasn’t been completed, it’s likely going to be the pick for the “must-finish” move. Burrow is no exception, as the 2020 No. 1 overall pick is in line for a potentially record-setting deal that should be right in the range of — or just above — $52 million per year, which is in line with Lamar Jackson’s recent deal. Quarterback contracts are about much more than the average annual value, but it’s commonplace to see one elite quarterback jump just a tick above the most recent one to sign. Jackson surpassed Jalen Hurt’s $51 million per year that was agreed on just weeks before Jackson’s deal.
While Burrow’s extension still seems like a ways out, there hasn’t been much reason for fans to fret over the whole thing given the openness of both sides and with guys like Ja’Marr Chase hinting that Burrow wants to keep his guys around him.
Funnily enough, fans understand that Burrow’s extension could also end up leading to a flurry of roster moves that includes extensions for Tee Higgins and Logan Wilson, plus the team getting with Joe Mixon about his future.
But indeed, if the Bengals have to make just one move the rest of the summer, locking down Burrow is the no-brainer.
