The Cincinnati Bengals landed defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in a trade this offseason. His contract extension left the Bengals looking for cap space, and so, they turned to their franchise quarterback, who agreed to a major change.

“Bengals restructured the contract of QB Joe Burrow, per @RapSheet and me, creating $10 million in cap room. This move allows Cincy to operate without putting itself in a tough spot cap wise. This is due in part to the cash needed for the Dexter Lawrence trade,” NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on X on June 10.

The NFL insiders broke the news on franchise quarterback Joe Burrow agreeing to restructure his contract as he enters a pivotal season. Burrow had signed a five-year, $275 million contract with the Bengals in 2023. 

“There is no long-term impact, as this is strictly for accounting and team-building purposes ahead of a very important 2026 season,” the Sporting News said.

Last year, they went 6-11. The Bengals did not make the playoffs, with their defense ranked 31st overall. The Bengals acquired Lawrence from the New York Giants ahead of the 2026 draft. He had played seven seasons for the Big Blue, who picked him 17th overall in 2019.

Over stalled contract extension talks, he had requested a trade at the Giants’ front office. Lawrence, who made three straight Pro Bowls from 2022-24, was given a one-year, $28 million contract extension. 

The Bengals have made changes they deemed necessary to their QB, but fans are split over the move. 

Fans Share True Feelings On Joe Burrow Contract Restructure

After NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news on X, he left Cincinnati Bengals fans divided over quarterback Joe Burrow’s contract restructure.

“Quarterbacks that are looking to get traded don’t typically restructure their contracts for the betterment of the team they are allegedly trying to leave. A truly devastating day for @espn narratives,” one commented.

Rumors of Burrow leaving the franchise over some difficult seasons have occasionally surfaced. However, another fan commented that Burrow proves his crocs wrong.

“Bad day for the low iq haters who said Joe would never restructure,” they replied.

“they just keep doing more and more things, my organization is actually serious,” another fan rejoiced.

“cap room in Cincinnati always feels like rearranging furniture in a house that’s already on fire,” one reply read. 

One fan wrote that the Bengals’ OL needs fixing. Last season, Burrow sustained a grade 3 injury after he was tackled from behind. 

“Problem with the Bengals there offensive line s**** so Joe will be lucky if he's still standing after week 3.”

After he was out for three months in 2025, Burrow is returning feeling the “best” he has “in a long time.” Whether Lawrence contributes to an improved record this season is the pressing question. What are your thoughts? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar