Rob Gronkowski Advises Joe Burrow Not To Take the Lamar Jackson Type Route While Building His Legacy With the Bengals

As the quarterback dominoes keep falling this NFL offseason, there is one piece still standing. While most franchises are locking in their franchise signal-callers, including the Ravens and Lamar Jackson, one franchise and their passer prefer to deal in secrecy. Cincinnati Bengals QB1 Joe Burrow is still waiting on his maximum extension. Already tracing Tom Brady’s footsteps in pocket excellence, former NFL tight end legend Rob Gronkowski thinks Burrow should take some financial tips from TB12 as well.

Yes, a potential max-contract number will put Burrow in the top echelon of NFL earners. However, Gronkowski doubted the legitimacy of the strategy. Especially given that the other road leads to a more impressive long-term legacy. Just like his former 7x champion quarterback Brady. So what was Gronk’s advice for Joe Cool?

Rob Gronkowski nudges Joe Burrow to emulate Brady’s selfless efforts

In a recent conversation with Kay Adams on Up & Adams, former NE Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive behemoth Rob Gronkowski shared his true feeling about the record-breaking quarterback contracts in today’s era. First, it was Philly’s Jalen Hurts, and then the Baltimore Ravens made Lamar Jackson the highest-paid NFL player within days of that. Next in line is Super Bowl LVI finalist Joe Burrow. However, Gronk thinks Burrow should aim for the Super Bowls instead of the highest-paid tag.

Asked if he’d prefer Burrow to sacrifice a couple of millions to build the best team around him, the 4x Lombardi-winning TE said, “Yeah 100%. I think that will set him up to be in Super Bowl contention in the coming years.” While Lamar Jackson held out for the biggest payout and even threatened to leave, Gronk advised a TB12-like roadmap for Burrow.

“He wants good players around him. He wants good teammates around him. And that’s a great thing. What’s the difference?” Gronk asked. “I mean, what’s the difference between 47-48 million or 53-54 million when the next highest guy on the team is only getting paid in the twenties? If you want a team around you, take a million dollars less, which is, I don’t know, nothing in the grand scheme for quarterbacks. Like I’m looking for a quarterback to do that. Kinda go down the Brady route.”

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Brady freed up nearly $9 million in cap space for the Buccaneers in 2022 when he agreed to restructure his $25 million contract to a 1-year $15 million deal. TB12 has always prioritized championships. And he wasn’t the only one. Chiefs QB1 Patrick Mahomes also agreed to take a pay cut this off-season to improve his team’s depth chart.

What does Burrow have to say about the negotiations?

In a recent press interview, LSU’s Heisman winner and Cincinnati’s superstar Joe Burrow made it clear that he intended to keep the ongoing contract negotiations private. “It’s in the works. That’s not something I want to play out to the media,” he said.

Will the Bengals acquire some additional weapons with a reduced payout for Burrow? Or will the passer follow fellow AFC North superstar Lamar Jackson’s suit?

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