Being in the top five shouldn't feel like a slight, but is it fair to say he should be higher?
As the Cincinnati Bengals get ready to end their three-year playoff drought in 2026, the biggest problem for the team’s lack of success has been solved: the defense. Statistically ranked as the worst unit in the NFL last season, the Bengals' defense saw a complete makeover this offseason, headlined by a trade that has never been seen before in franchise history.
After losing defensive ends Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson in free agency, general manager Duke Tobin made up for the subtractions by adding Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen, Kyle Dugger, and Dexter Lawrence, along with key draft picks. This side of the football looks ready to go, and if they can just prove to be manageable, the superstar offense led by Joe Burrow can carry them to victory.
Cincinnati Bengals general manager Duke Tobin | © Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesWhile the defense was undoubtedly the top priority from a franchise perspective this offseason, there is still one more thing that may limit the Bengals’ ability to contend: Burrow’s health. He has failed to play in 10 games in two of the last three seasons, and the Bengals have proven that they don’t have much of a chance when he is stuck on the sidelines.
He produces MVP-caliber football when he is healthy, but his poor durability prevents him from getting the respect he deserves in that regard. Former MVP quarterback Cam Newton came out with his list of the top-10 quarterbacks in the NFL this season, ranking the former No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft at No. 5.
“The biggest red flag in regards to Joe Burrow: durability,” said Newton. “Can he play a whole season? Cause the numbers aren’t gon’ lie. He is generational as generational can be … His holes is at them kneecaps and them legs.”
Some may view this quote as disrespectful, but honestly, Newton wasn’t lying. Burrow has played in every game of the season just once in his six-year career; the only season he did that was 2024, when he was the NFL Passing Yards Leader. The four quarterbacks ranked above him were Matthew Stafford, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen, all of whom are former MVP award winners. There is no reason Burrow can’t join this group by winning the award in 2026, but he has to maintain good enough health to be able to do so.
Cincinnati has every reason to believe that year is coming, though. The former LSU Tiger has publicly mentioned numerous times how much he loves the game and that he does everything he can to be on the field with his teammates. Having an offense that is retaining all 11 starters, headlined by superstar wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, 2026 may finally be the year where Burrow puts the haters to rest and proves why he belongs in the conversation for best quarterback in the NFL.
