Matt Johnson
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has signed his rookie contract, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, can now report to the team’s facilities to undergo COVID-19 testing. Once he’s cleared, the heralded rookie passer can start working out with his teammates and begin his NFL career.
Joe Burrow contract details
The COVID-19 pandemic provided quite the delay for both sides, despite the NFL now following a rookie wage scale. While it might have taken Burrow longer to sign his deal than 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, he’ll get paid even more.
According to ESPN, Burrow lands a four-year contract worth $36.1 million. Even better for the 23-year-old, he will receive a $23.88 million signing bonus within the first two weeks of his contract being finalized.
Burrow’s rookie deal just slightly surpasses the final figure for Chase Young’s contract. Washington signed the No. 2 overall pick to a four-year agreement worth $34.56 million and carrying a $22.69 million bonus.
As with all first-round picks, the contracts carry a fifth-year team option that can be exercised after the player’s third season.
Under the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement, the value of the fifth-year option on Burrow’s rookie contract will be determined by his performance in his first three seasons.
