At the end of last week, the Cincinnati Bengals made news as they traded the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence.
With a major trade to strengthen the team, NFL insider Adam Schefter recently reported that the 2026 season will have a major impact on the future of the Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow.
Joe Burrow and His Future with the Bengals
It was only a few seasons ago that Burrow and the Bengals were playing in the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams, a game they unfortunately lost. Despite the loss, it was apparent that Burrow and company would be a threat to the AFC for years to come.
However, this hasn’t necessarily been the case. The following season, the team finished the regular season with a 12-4 record before losing to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. However, in the following three seasons, the team had records of 9-8 (2023 and 2024) and 6-11 (2025). The team that was a powerhouse a few seasons prior started to crack and show its vulnerabilities.
The team has the potential to be a contender again, but another insignificant season could mean a major change in the quarterback room.
In an article for ESPN, Schefter explained the reason for the Bengals’ deal for Lawrence, and in doing so, he also explained the future of Burrow with the team:
“This is considered to be a hugely significant season for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati,” Schefter wrote. “If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city. The Bengals had to give Burrow and the franchise the best chance to win now. Lawrence does that, more than any player they could have picked at No. 10.”
On PFSN’s NFL Quarterback Impact Metric, Burrow has an average impact score of 79.2 across six seasons. During 2025, he ranked 10th with an impact score of 80.1 and a letter grade of B-, but his best season was 2021, when he ranked sixth with an impact score of 85.6 and a letter grade of B.
As good as Burrow is, his career has been riddled with injuries. In his rookie season in 2020, he suffered a significant knee injury that ended his season after only 10 games.
In 2023, Burrow tore a ligament in his throwing wrist and was able to play only 10 games again. Finally, this past season, he suffered a significant turf toe injury, which limited him to only eight games.
Despite the injuries, Burrow has all of the skills to succeed and get to the Super Bowl once again. However, will it be with the Bengals or another team?
