Just minutes into the opening game of the 2023-2024 NFL season, the long-awaited record-breaking contract of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was announced. The deal makes Burrow the highest player in NFL history.

Burrow and the Bengals’ front office agreed to a five-year contract worth $275 million, of which $219 million is guaranteed. Burrow will be paid $55 million annually on average, $2.5 million more than Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and $3 million more than division rival quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Burrow was top 5 in passing yards and second (among starters) in completion percentage last season, not to mention bringing the Bengals to Super Bowl 56. Since Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was handed a contract worth $255 million in April, Bengals fans have anticipated this contract.

With such a large contract, only time will tell if they can retain their powerful receiving trio, as wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are on cheap rookie contracts. The Bengals may be able to restructure Burrow’s deal to free up money to keep him surrounded with talent. 

No matter how the Bengals manage their roster, given the trajectory of Burrow’s career and his new.