The Cincinnati Bengals have bought themselves some time to negotiate a long-term extension with star quarterback Joe Burrow.
The team triggered the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, which will guarantee him $29.5 million for the 2023 NFL season.
It's too early to begin panicking, but the absence of a multiyear deal might have some concerned.
In general, teams don't benefit by waiting around. The inflationary nature of the quarterback market means the price tag for elite signal-callers goes up every offseason. Re-signing Burrow in 2025 or using the franchise tag and re-signing him at a later date is bound to be a costlier pursuit than it is now.