Russell Wilson clarifies Joe Burrow leaving Bengals claim after controversial warning raises questions about Cincinnati’s future
Because burrow is under contract with the Bengals through the 2029 season after signing a five-year, $275 million extension in 2023, the comment stood out. Because he’s got two of the most dynamic receivers maybe ever play,” Wilson said on Set, Hut, so, I don’t necessarily want him to leave Cincinnati.
Speaking on CBS Sports’ Set, Hut!, Wilson said people “started freaking out” over his take, but explained that his point was about Burrow’s desire to win, not a direct call for him to leave Cincinnati. Russell Wilson has clarified his comments about Joe Burrow after saying the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback could leave if the team fails to win this season. Wilson also pointed to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as players whose future could matter. Burrow has also made it clear that he likes being in Cincinnati. Wilson acknowledged that while explaining his own connection to the city. “Do I think that he should leave Cincinnati Bengals? I’m from Cincinnati. I was born in Christ Hospital.
Wilson first caused the reaction during his CBS Sports debut on The NFL Today, when he said, “If it doesn’t go well in Cincinnati this year, Joe Burrow is gone.
When healthy in 2024, he led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes. He’ll throw more; he’ll throw probably 45 this year, knowing Joe Burrow, my guy. The Bengals began the 2026 season with a 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Burrow completed 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards, one touchdown and one interception, according to the Bengals and Buccaneers.
Because they have so much talent there, they’ve got to figure it out. Because you’ve got to remember a few years ago they were in the Super Bowl, right, and here’s the key to figuring it out in Cincinnati,. Because of a toe injury, but returned late in the season, the Bengals quarterback missed nine games in 2025. Because when this guy’s on the field, I mean, look at these stats… he was 25 of 35, 254 yards, threw a touchdown.
So they’re not that far away,” Wilson said. And I just think that he wants to win; he’s a competitor, he wants to be an all-time great, and I think he has that talent,” Wilson said. Wilson then explained what he was actually questioning. He was not saying Burrow has decided to leave. Instead, he wondered whether the Bengals can keep their top players happy if the team continues falling short. “The question is: do Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins, do they get tired of losing? Wilson also focused on something that has affected Burrow’s time with Cincinnati: staying on the field. For Wilson, protecting Burrow has to be part of Cincinnati’s plan. “The key, though, is this: Joe Burrow’s got to stay healthy, and it’s on the organization to protect him so he can stay healthy.