Joe Burrow confident Bengals have 'everything we need’ after big offseason
Joe Burrow's said the Bengals have the most talented roster he's been a part of. Why his statement puts pressure on the Bengals in 2026.
Optimism is typically at an all-time high this time of year as NFL teams conduct organized team activities (OTAs). Such is the case in Cincinnati. “I think this is the most talented roster we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters Wednesday, May 20.
Burrow’s roster assessment is notable because he led the Bengals to a Super Bowl 56 appearance, which they lost to the Los Angeles Rams. The following season, Burrow boldly claimed the Benga ls’ Super Bowl window is his “ whole career ” as he guided Cincinnati to an AFC championship game, although they lost to the eventual Super Bowl 57 champion Kansas City Chiefs. Burrow’s Super Bowl window proclamation in 2023 has since backfired, as the Bengals have been on vacation in three consecutive postseasons.
Slow starts, injuries and poor defensive performance have hindered the 29-year-old quarterback and Cincinnati. Over the past three years, the team has posted a combined record of (4-8) in Weeks 1-4. Burrow has faced multiple injury setbacks throughout his career, including a season-ending knee injury during his rookie year, a wrist injury that cut short his 2023 season and a toe injury that limited him to just eight games in 2025.
He has played in 10 or fewer games in three of his first six seasons which is a reason he's already earned Comeback Player of the Year honors twice (2021, 2024). Additionally, the Bengals have finished 31st in total defense in two of the last three seasons. What accounts for Burrow’s confidence being ratcheted up this year?