“Discussions To Be Had”: Steelers May Not Have To Worry About Bengals' Joe Burrow In 2027 And Beyond

The Pittsburgh Steelers were not initially expected to win the AFC North back in 2025. Due to injuries throughout the division and tough schedules for all, then-head coach Mike Tomlin's team found a way to get it done, specifically thanks to a Tyler Loop missed kick in Week 18. Now, there has been a ton of turnover when it comes to all four franchises. Three have brand new head coaches, and the Cincinnati Bengals decided to spend big for once in free agency and via the trade market. It's anyone's guess as to who will come out on top once January of 2027 rolls around and the playoffs begin.

After Tomlin's resignation, the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, who will look to lead the organization to a second-straight divisional title. This has not happened for Pittsburgh in the AFC North since the 2016 and 2017 campaigns. There will be a lot of pressure, and the collective in the Steel City has the biggest disadvantage because it will be facing off against a first-place schedule.

One of the more fascinating situations comes over in Cincinnati. Elite quarterback Joe Burrow has had some troubles staying healthy in recent seasons, and the Bengals have not been to the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. The group was once looked at as having dynasty-level potential following a trip to the Super Bowl in 2021.

Someone like Burrow, who is super competitive, might not want to be around much longer as the prime of his career gets potentially wasted. This is why the franchise decided to invest so much into the roster throughout the 2026 offseason. ESPN's Peter Schrager provided some very attention-grabbing insight when he noted on Tuesday morning that the signal-caller might not be around next year if the Bengals fail to make the postseason.

"They have put all the resources into it and they have brought veterans in. Jonathan Allen. Dexter Lawrence. Brian Cook," Schrager stated. "They're looking at it as this season as, 'Hey, let's get it done.' If they fall on their face and miss four straight playoffs, well, then there's discussions to be had [about Joe Burrow's future in Cincinnati]."

This would be a very interesting development in Cincinnati. Burrow could earn the organization a massive haul in a trade, which is why rumors have been swirling following the front office's failure to invest properly. The offense has been stout in terms of play-making, but the line has put the quarterback in danger, leading to plenty of ailments. Additionally, the defense has faltered in more ways than one of late.

The Steelers will continue to be worried about what is happening inside of their own building, but this is a situation that should be paid attention to. Burrow is an All-Pro-level quarterback who has made three Pro Bowls in his career. The 2027 NFL Draft class is expected to be stout when it comes to the most important position in all of sports, so one has to wonder if the Bengals would trade Burrow if 2026 is once again labeled as a failure.

It's rare that someone with Burrow's talents ends up getting dealt after playing so many seasons for a franchise, but it is not impossible. The player and ownership might be in agreement that both sides need fresh starts if the 2026 campaign ends with the roster watching from home throughout the month of January.

Steelers Wouldn't Hate It If Burrow Left The Division

Despite the constant injury issues, Burrow is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. Having to play him twice a year, if he is healthy, is not something that any team wants to be forced to do. The Steelers can help the cause by taking down the Bengals twice in 2026, which would not be great for their overall or divisional record. The AFC North could potentially see some drastic change in the near future.

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