Star quarterback Joe Burrow praised the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles for their approach to spending money as his Cincinnati Bengals enter a pivotal offseason.
"The Eagles are paying everybody," Burrow said on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, per the Cincinnati Enquirer's Dave Clark. "That seems like the way, whatever they're doing."
Burrow credited Philadelphia with signing veteran players despite the team inking quarterback Jalen Hurts to a five-year, $255-million extension in 2023. The Eagles also added to their key starters last offseason, bringing in running back Saquon Barkley and linebacker Zack Baun, among others.
Burrow has been open about wanting the Bengals to retain their core after posting a 9-8 mark and missing the playoffs this past season, recently saying several teammates deserve to be paid "what they're worth."
Bengals director of personnel Duke Tobin said in late January that the club would prioritize signing Ja'Marr Chase to an extension, with the All-Pro wideout entering the final year of his rookie contract. Chase could command a salary comparable to Justin Jefferson, who averages $35 million per season, after he clinched the NFL's receiving triple crown in 2024.
Wideout Tee Higgins is set to become an unrestricted free agent after Cincinnati placed the franchise tag on him last offseason. Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks, is also seeking a new deal.
Burrow, the reigning Comeback Player of the Year, received a five-year, $275-million extension in 2023. After previously saying he'd restructure his contract to help the Bengals keep their core intact, Burrow further explained how Cincinnati could use the extra funds.
"You could convert some of the money to a signing bonus, which will lower the cap hit," Burrow said on the podcast. "You can push some of the money to the back end of the contract. That lowers the cap hit. ... And then when you get to the back end of the contract, you can restructure it and convert it to a signing bonus."
The Bengals project to have around $46.2 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap.
