Joe Burrow is All In on Cincinnati—Are the Bengals?
Stephen A. Smith has made a career out of bold proclamations, and his latest take on Joe Burrow’s future with the Cincinnati Bengals is no exception. During a recent segment on ESPN, Smith suggested that Burrow could eventually leave Cincinnati due to organizational shortcomings, particularly at the ownership level.
Smith’s argument is rooted in an undeniable NFL reality: owners don’t change. A coach can be fired, a general manager can be replaced, but an owner remains the singular, unchanging force that shapes a franchise’s long-term future. And in the case of the Bengals, that owner is Mike Brown.
“His problem is that he can’t get rid of the owner. That’s a problem. That’s enough to make you want to leave home,” Smith stated emphatically.
The Mike Brown Factor
Smith’s comments were a direct shot at Bengals owner Mike Brown, whose management style has been scrutinized for years. While Paul Brown founded the franchise in 1967, control has remained in the Brown family since his passing, with Mike Brown assuming control in 1991. Brown has built a reputation for frugality, minimal front office investment, and prioritizing financial stability over aggressive roster-building.
That approach has drawn sharp criticism—especially now. Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are all watching how the franchise handles its future, and the front office is under mounting pressure to prove they can keep this core together.
A Growing Sense of Frustration
Smith’s comments have added fuel to the fire during an already tense offseason for Bengals fans. Burrow’s supporting cast is in limbo, and front office inaction has heightened concerns:
Tee Higgins: Placed under the franchise tag, but reports indicate he may push for a trade rather than play another year without a long-term deal.
Ja’Marr Chase: Eligible for an extension this offseason, and expected to demand a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in NFL history.
Trey Hendrickson: The team’s defensive star has requested a trade amid contract frustrations, adding another layer of uncertainty.
These looming decisions have led to mounting criticism that the Bengals are dragging their feet, and the worry is that Burrow could become frustrated enough to walk away.
Joe Burrow’s Perspective: The Franchise Leader
But let’s be clear—Burrow is not the type to jump ship at the first sign of adversity. He has repeatedly stated that he wants his core teammates to stay and has subtly put pressure on the front office to act decisively. When asked about Tee Higgins’ contract situation, Burrow made his stance clear:
“I know that I’m gonna do what it takes to get him back, and so is he.”
That’s not the quote of a quarterback looking for an exit strategy—it’s a statement of leadership. Burrow understands that success in the NFL comes from continuity, and he’s willing to fight to keep his core intact.
Could Burrow Actually Leave?
For now, the idea of Burrow leaving feels far-fetched. He signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension before the 2023 season, making him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history at the time. He’s the face of the franchise, and Cincinnati fans have fully embraced him.
But let’s entertain the hypothetical—what if Burrow did leave? What would the Bengals’ future look like?
The Fallout of a Burrow Departure
If Burrow were to demand a trade or leave after his contract expires, it would fundamentally alter the direction of the Bengals franchise. Here’s what would likely happen:
If Burrow were to leave, the pressure on Mike Brown and the Bengals' front office would be immense. The backlash from fans, media, and the NFL community would force the franchise to reconsider its approach to roster management. Would the Brown family finally modernize their operations?
Without Burrow, the Bengals’ offensive identity collapses. Ja'Marr Chase, who has thrived with Burrow since their LSU days, could seek a trade or decline an extension. Tee Higgins would be as good as gone, and the Bengals would be left scrambling for a quarterback.
The Bengals would go from perennial Super Bowl contenders to a team in transition. They’d likely have to trade for a quarterback or draft a new one, signaling years of rebuilding rather than title contention.
The Bengals’ Next Move Is Critical
While Burrow isn’t currently looking to leave, the Bengals front office cannot afford to take his commitment for granted. To keep Burrow happy and Cincinnati competitive, the team must:
✔ Lock in long-term deals for Chase and Higgins. ✔ Invest in high-quality offensive linemen to protect Burrow. ✔ Ensure that their roster-building strategy matches Burrow’s championship aspirations.
Stephen A. Smith’s argument is compelling, but Joe Burrow leaving Cincinnati isn’t inevitable—yet. The Bengals have a golden opportunity to secure their future by showing Burrow they are committed to sustained success.
But if they fail to do so?
Well, then Smith’s words might not just be a hot take—they could become a harsh reality for Bengals fans.