On Ohio being his home state...
I'd argue that it would actually add to why he wouldn't want to play there. He has witnessed all of those years of the Bengals sucking ***. In Ohio knows its all about the Buckeyes.
The Bungals and the Browns have been a joke to them for decades. I bet he didn't like the Bengals growing up, and his lack of positive comments about their organization throughout this process suggest this is the case. You never hear him say anything positive about the team, he only mentions the proximity to his family when he is questioned about them.
Now on to those reasons you asked for:
1 -
The Bengals owner is a cheap *** and isn't committed to winning. Ross has big pockets and will do whatever it takes to help his GM. There is no question he will pay Burrow when that veteran contract comes along as well. You can bet Burrow is thinking about that with his big ego...he expects to be the highest paid QB in the league in 5 years. He has no reason to worry with Ross.
2 -
The Bengals staff will all likely be fired in a year or 2 and he knows that.
3 -
He wants stability and Miami has it. Flores isn't going anywhere after leading our team to wins with arguably one of the worst rosters in NFL history. Flores has players talking, and they're excited to come play for him. You can bet Burrow has connections within the league that are talking to him about Flores and what's happening with the transformation of our team.
4 -
He can see that our GM means business. He witnessed how we handled FA. That "like" wasn't a coincidence - he was sending a message. As for the talent we still currently lack...he sees our stockpile of picks. Even if we sell a bunch to get him, we'll have plenty this year and then next year we have 2 1st's and 2 2nd's. He knows he is going to be surrounded with YOUTHFUL talent that can grow with him. He knows these players will be selected with HIM in mind.
5 -
We have a better division. The division is officially open again with the departure of Tom Brady. The Jets / Bills always suck. The time has come for Miami and the odds are a lot better than the Bungals beating out the Steelers/Ravens and a now-loaded-with-talent Browns team.
6 -
He will have someone to learn from and emulate on the day-to-day in Fitzpatrick. Cincy has nobody if Dalton leaves. If Dalton doesn't leave...I don't imagine that'd be a good relationship, do you? Burrows said many times that he sees a veteran QB as a positive as he learns the ins and outs of the next level. Fitz would welcome him right in and mentor him.
7 -
Miami offers the no tax incentives, a beautiful climate,
and the environment where he can live it up. He apparently likes to party. I think his family would also love for him to be in Miami because it gives them a place to go to get the hell away from the COLD of Ohio.
8 -
Miami is simply the bigger fish when you think like a business man. We are not only a bigger market...were a world beloved team because of our rich history. That = a lot more money in jersey/merchandise sales that he will get royalties from. Trust me...NFL players are thinking of this stuff. The lowly Bungals will not net him nearly the same level of money. Tom Brady makes over 2 million a year...this isn't small potatoes.
So those are my reasons. But never mind all that...just look at this video here.
This video was before he made the "leverage" comment and got subsequent coaching on how to handle the media questions. Its our best footage of breaking down what Burrow was truly thinking, and its very telling for those that know how to read non-verbal ques.
Watch from 8:05 - 9:15 and tell me this is a kid that wants to play for the Bengals.
To me, it couldn't be more obvious. I think he is being a class act, and I think he/his agent told the Bengals behind-the-scenes. If you're the Bengals...you don't want your "hometown" boy rejecting/embarrassing your franchise. The Bengals making the trade saves both of them face, and the Bengals will end up making a hefty profit off of this and still come away with a top QB prospect. I really think we make the trade up.
Oh, and Joe you were right - you can totally pull off our colors.
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