Joe Burrow inks historic deal: 'Going to be here for a long time' - ESPN

CINCINNATI — The ink is dried on the biggest contract in Cincinnati Bengals history. And the main principal played a key role in getting the deal finished.

Quarterback Joe Burrow officially signed his five-year contract extension on Saturday. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal is worth up to $275 million, with $219.01 million guaranteed. Along with his agent, Brian Ayrault, and the Cincinnati front office group spearheaded by executive vice president Katie Blackburn, Burrow was part of the discussions in an effort to make sure Cincinnati could sign and retain key players in future years.

«That was important to me and that was part of the reason I was involved,» Burrow said. «To make sure that that would happen.»

During Cincinnati's ascent from divisional doormat to Super Bowl contenders, the Bengals have benefitted from having Burrow on a rookie deal. That allowed Cincinnati to spend heavily on other positions, with the bulk going to the defensive line. In 2022, the Bengals ranked fifth in total spending at the defensive end and defensive tackle positions, according to Roster Management System.

The Bengals will also have to pay some of Burrow's current young stars who have also been on team-friendly, rookie deals. Linebacker Logan Wilson was the first in the 2020 draft class to sign an extension. He agreed to a four-year deal worth up to $37.25 million.

Wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Burrow's top two targets, are also in contention for lucrative deals. Chase indicated earlier in the week that he wants to be paid top dollar when he is extension-eligible in 2024. Higgins is also seeking a long-term deal. However, that currently seems unlikely, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN.

Burr