Now that he’s retired and transitioning into a media role, former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson is learning the art of hot takes.
Before the Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wilson praised quarterback Joe Burrow’s qualities but dropped a warning to Cincy.
“I love Joe’s mentality this offseason,” the former longtime Seattle Seahawks quarterback said on CBS. “His presence, and how focused he was, and he just seems like he really wants to compete.
“I think he’s tired of losing. He said that a few times. He’s really focused on making sure this is that special year. Listen, if it doesn’t go well in Cincinnati this year, I’m just telling you right now Joe Burrow’s gone. I think he wants to leave. And what’s gonna be interesting is, where does he go? There’s some great teams that need a quarterback.”
Burrow signed a 5-year, $275 million contract extension with Cincinnati in 2023, but that deal also has a potential out in 2028.
After falling just a win short of winning a Super Bowl in the 2022 NFL season, Burrow and the Bengals have not come close to such heights since.
In fact, they haven’t made the playoffs since that deep postseason run, while finishing third or fourth in the AFC North each year.
But with Burrow healthy and the Bengals off to a 1-0 start, this could be the season where Cincinnati re-emerges as a serious contender for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The Bengals defeated Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, 33-27, with Burrow passing for 254 yards and a touchdown with an interception on 25/35 completions.
