Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow became the highest-paid player in the NFL on Thursday, September 7, when he agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $275 million. , according to a person familiar with sports deals told the AP.

The contract guarantees more than $219 million, said the anonymous person, who, because the contract has not been announced, remains anonymous.

Joe Burrow No. 9 of the Cincinnati Bengals (Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This deal will help Burrow pocket about $55 million per year, helping him surpass other key midfielders who re-signed after the season in terms of income.

Beloved by teammates and fans at Cincinnati, Burrow reversed the franchise’s fortunes and earned a reputation as a creative and decisive captain with a knack for taking advantage when the game was tied. falter.

Signing the 2022 Pro Bowler and AP NFL 2021 Comeback Player of the Year was the team’s goal this summer, but the deal wasn’t finalized until three days before the Bengals’ season opener. in Cleveland.

Burrow led the Bengals to two consecutive AFC North championships and a Super Bowl following the 2021 season, a 23-20 loss to the Rams. Cincinnati compiled a 12-win, four-loss record last year, along with Burrow setting single-season franchise records for wins, escape attempts and passes leading to a field goal.

Burrow had knee surgery at the end of the 2020 season, his year as a rookie. He immediately became one of the best pass rushers in the NFL after his re-emergence. The notoriously frugal Bengals have not reached the Super Bowl since 1998 or even won a playoff game since 1990.

Burrow suffered a calf strain early in summer training camp and was out until last week. On Wednesday, he said he was preparing for the game against the Browns on Sunday, September 10.

The quarterback transfer market settled for Burrow in late July when Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert agreed to a five-year, $262.5 million contract.

Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes is in the third year of a 10-year contract worth $450 million, the largest overall deal for a quarterback.

A year ago, Bengals team owner Mike Brown said the team had restructured its financial system to secure a long-term deal for Burrow. The Bengals cleared the way for more payroll when kicker Joe Mixon agreed to a reshaped deal and a pay cut this month.

With Burrow settled, the Bengals can turn their attention to other players, including wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is eligible for an extension. Linebacker Logan Wilson also agreed to a four-year extension last month for up to $37.25 million.