Key Takeaways:
* Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, is back to practice after a season-ending injury in 2023.
* The Bengals have become one of the most valuable franchises since Burrow’s drafting.
* Back-up quarterback Jake Browning was unable to steer the team to the playoffs during Burrow’s absence.
* The 2024 season holds promise with Burrow’s return and additional drafts in the team.
Burrow Back in Action
In a lift to the Cincinnati Bengals’ spirits, quarterback Joe Burrow has returned to training after a season-ending wrist injury in 2023. The injury, which required surgery, was the second major setback in four seasons for Burrow, who also had knee surgery in 2020. Over his playing career, he has missed 16 games owing to his injuries.
The Bengals announced Burrow’s return via a video post on their official social media platform, filling their fans and the whole NFL community with joy. The video caption read, “HE IS SO BACK,” signifying the importance of his return to the team.
Burrow’s Record-Setting Contract
In March 2023, Burrow signed a 5-year, $275 million contract extension with the Bengals, making him NFL’s highest-paid player, netting an average of $55 million annually. The terms of this contract highlight his undeniable value to the team.
Being drafted as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Burrow has contributed significantly to the Bengals’ success. He led the team to the Super Bowl in 2021 and again to the AFC Championship Game the following year. His impact is evident in the increase in the Bengals’ value too, which jumped from $2 billion in 2019, before his drafting, to $3.5 billion in 2023.
Impact of Burrow’s Absence
During Burrow’s absence, back-up quarterback Jake Browning filled in rather admirably. However, the team could not replicate their previous successes and missed out on the playoffs for the first time since Burrow’s rookie season. With a disappointing season finish at 9-8, the Bengals ended up last in the AFC North.
Looking Forward to 2024 Season
Burrow’s return in 2024 promises a better season for the Bengals. Apart from his return, the team has also kept a solid core in place. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are two key players.
To provide more support for Burrow, the team made some considerable draft picks in the 2024 NFL draft. One notable addition is Georgia’s offensive tackle, Amarius Mims. Meanwhile, Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton, despite dropping in the draft due to off-field concerns, is expected to be a plug-and-play starter.
More on the New Draft Pick
Burton, who played two seasons at Georgia, led Alabama with 39 receptions for 798 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in 2023. Despite his drop in the ranking due to off-field concerns, he brings great explosiveness and impressive ball skills. His downfield playmaking ability could be a solid complement to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The Bengals are all set and geared up for the 2024 season. Burrow’s return is likely to be a major boost and, combined with the new draft picks, could see the team top the AFC yet again.
Source: Heavy.com (Original article: WATCH: $275 Million QB Returns to Action for Bengals)