After the Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason moves, much of the narrative surrounding the team has changed.
Following an array of defensive additions, many expect the Bengals to be much improved in 2026. However, if things go south,there could be concern that the organization cannot return to its winning ways of the early 2020s.
One ESPN analyst offered a concerning take on Joe Burrow’s future with the team, comparing Burrow’s situation to the early years of another MVP quarterback’s career.
Cincinnati Bengals Given Warning About Joe Burrow’s Future
On NFL Live, ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck discussed the Bengals situation, and while he agreed that he expected Cincinnati to be better in 2026, he expressed concern over the Bengals organization. Regarding Joe Burrow, Hasselbeck said, “It feels like Matthew Stafford early on in Detroit. … They just organizationally can’t get it done. … That’s just what it’s starting to feel like to me with Burrow’s era in Cincinnati.”
Of course, Stafford’s tenure with the Detroit Lions is likely the worst case scenario for Bengals fans. Stafford spent 12 seasons with the Lions before requesting a trade, which landed him with the Los Angeles Rams. As a member of the Lions, Stafford made the postseason only once, despite having a Hall of Fame wide receiver in Calvin Johnson, and posting strong individual seasons as the team’s quarterback.
With the Rams, Stafford’s career immediately took off as he won a Super Bowl over Joe Burrow and the Bengals in 2021. He has then made the playoffs three more times and won his first MVP award in 2025.
Despite Hasselbeck’s comments, Burrow’s situation is not entirely comparable to Stafford’s. Burrow has already led Cincinnati to the postseason twice, including two deep playoff runs. Unfortunately, these past three seasons where the Bengals have missed the playoffs do bear a resemblance to Stafford’s time with the Lions.
Cincinnati Bengals Defense
Last season in particular was reminiscent of the Stafford-era Lions. The Cincinnati Bengals had an explosive offense led by Burrow and star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which resulted in the team having a top-10 offense despite Burrow missing a significant portion of the season with an injury.
Similarly to Detroit, Cincinnati’s biggest weakness came on defense, where they allowed the third-most points in the NFL last season. However, one difference from Stafford’s time in Detroit is that Burrow appears to have significant input in Cincinnati’s decision-making this offseason.
After the Dexter Lawrence trade, Dan Patrick spoke on his show and revealed how Burrow was involved in the Cincinnati Bengals acquiring Dexter Lawrence. Patrick said, “I was told Joe Burrow is the one calling the shots in Cincinnati.” He added, “From what I’m told, Joe Burrow said to management, ‘you gotta do something defensively or I’m out of here.’ I was told this morning by a source, who said that Joe has given them an ultimatum.”
Patrick also cited Burrow publicly calling for the team to extend Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as another example of the quarterback calling the shots in Cincinnati.
Bengals Issued Clear Message on Joe Burrow’s Future