Russell Wilson thinks Joe Burrow will leave the Bengals if one crucial condition isn’t met

Seattle Seahawks legend Russell Wilson thinks the Joe Burrow era for the Cincinnati Bengals is coming to an end unless everything turns around in the 2026 season.

Burrow has been leading the Bengals since they drafted him No. 1 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, coming off an undefeated national championship season with the LSU Tigers.

However, Burrow has not come close to the same level of success in the NFL with the Bengals. As a result, Wilson believes the 2026 season might be a fork in the road for Burrow and the Bengals.

Russell Wilson predicts a Joe Burrow exit unless Bengals win the Super Bowl

Wilson made his debut as a broadcaster for NFL on CBS, sharing his explosive take on Burrow’s relationship with the Bengals on Sunday’s episode of NFL Today.

“I’m telling you right now, if it doesn’t go well in Cincinnati this year, Joe Burrow is gone. I think he wants to leave.”

Russell Wilson thinks Joe Burrow will

The Bengals have gaping holes in their defense, which makes it hard to rank them as credible title contenders. If a title is all that can convince Burrow to stay, the Bengals are miles off.

However, they could overachieve based on their offensive strengths, as was on full display in their 33-27 season-opening win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Burrow went 25-35 on passing attempts for 254 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT, registering an 89.5 passer rating while being sacked once as well.

Joe Burrow’s playoff history with the Bengals has highs and lows

Burrow has only made the playoffs twice in the six NFL seasons he played before this, but both appearances led to deep runs for the Bengals behind Burrow’s incredible performances.

The 2021 NFL Playoffs saw Burrow lead the Bengals from the Wild Card game all the way to the Super Bowl, which included an underdog win over Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.

Unfortunately, that run ended with a Super Bowl loss, and his other postseason run in 2024 ended with an AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs.

Most of the missed postseasons come from injuries to Burrow and his teammates, but the Bengals have also struggled to put together a competent defense or offensive line since their Super Bowl run.

Read more: