Until LSU star Joe Burrow officially takes a snap for the Cincinnati Bengals, rumors will be rampant, and likely never-ending.
Each week now, for what seems like forever, another Monday brings a fresh batch of rumors about Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, or worse, a recycled batch spun in another direction saying the same thing. Despite local media and fans touting the proof is in Burrow’s own words about wanting to play in Cincinnati, the tea leaves read by everyone else seems to indicate something else entirely.
For a couple of weeks now, CBS Sports Radio appears to be something close to ground zero for news about the apprehension spoken by Burrow, or, those who played for the Bengals, or, those who have been longtime watchers of the organization. Regardless of the message, the media outside of Cincinnati keep coming back to the same conclusions.
On Monday, NFL analyst Charles Davis would advance the narrative that seems to be going nowhere in Cincinnati, but getting a lot of play elsewhere.
"“Well, it’s just the normal speculation that goes on would be an easy answer,” NFL analyst Charles Davis said on The Zach Gelb Show. “But we don’t hear about this type of potentially trying not to be the No. 1 pick or be the No. 1 pick and go to another team [very often]. John Elway, Eli Manning – but it’s not an every year thing, is it?”"
Davis becomes the latest to offer speculation on Burrow and the Bengals. While the interview noted Davis not committing to Burrow spurning the organization, it’s the drip-drip-drip of the story that seems to never end, and likely won’t until draft night.
In the same interview, Davis did remind Burrow speaking of “leverage.” He was also quick to pour cold water on the likelihood of that happening.
"“Now I don’t think ultimately he’ll do it,” Davis continued. “I think ultimately he will step up there, take the jersey and go try his craft with Cincinnati. But it is something for him to consider.”"
Bengals fans will endure this kind of chatter until either Burrow says something strikingly definitive, or Cincinnati makes him their first pick. Even then, and until his name is on a contract, the media will continue to have an absolute field day with this story.