Quarterback Joe Burrow has been through a lot with the Bengals. Two injury-shortened seasons. Three straight years without a playoff appearance. This offseason, he is doing everything he can to change that.

ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Burrow agreed to restructure his contract with Cincinnati. The move creates $10 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season.

Before the restructure, the Bengals had just $7.1 million in cap space. That ranked as the third-lowest figure in the entire NFL. Burrow's cap hit alone was sitting at nearly $48 million for the year.

The reason the Bengals needed the room comes down to one deal. They traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants to acquire defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence then signed a one-year $28 million extension upon arrival, adding a $15.3 million cap hit for 2026.

Schefter noted the restructure "allows Cincy to operate without putting itself in a tough spot cap-wise."

Burrow spoke about the Lawrence trade back in May and made his feelings clear.

"Got the best d-tackle in the league, in my opinion," Burrow told reporters. "We have everything we need in that locker room. We've just got to go and make it happen."

Burrow is signed through 2029. His deal is worth $275 million with $219 million fully guaranteed.

He played just eight games in 2025 and ten in 2023. A full, healthy season from him is what Cincinnati needs more than anything else.

The Bengals went 6-11 last year. Third straight season without a playoff appearance. They also added safety Bryan Cook and pass rusher Boye Mafe this offseason. The message from the front office is clear. They are done waiting.

Which Bengals Players Could Now Receive Contract Extensions

With the space freed up, Cincinnati has a clear list of names to work through. Cornerbacks DJ Turner II and Dax Hill are both extension candidates, and so are running back Chase Brown and defensive end Myles Murphy.

Bengals GM Duke Tobin was straightforward about the plan when asked about extensions this offseason.

"The desire will always be to keep guys," Tobin said.

Murphy's fifth-year option for 2027 was not picked up, making a new deal more urgent. Turner and Hill are both young starters the Bengals want locked in long term. Training camp is approaching fast.

The pressure is on. Training camp is not far away.

Do you think the Bengals can make it back to the playoffs in 2026? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Farheen Fathima