Joe Burrow is widely seen as one of the most capable quarterbacks in the NFL. According to former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, the whole operation around him is not good enough, or stable enough, to really show it.

Speaking on NFL Live on May 12, 2026, Hasselbeck went straight at the Bengals organizational resume. His critique centred on the organisation's inability to keep Burrow healthy and competitive, rather than any question about Burrow's ability.

"The concern I have is just organizationally, when you and Joe Burrow, he's been in the league for six years," the former Baltimore Ravens quarterback said on the podcast. "He's started the entire season just three times in six years. That's half of the time he's been in the league, and in that stretch, they've only had double-digit wins twice. It's just not been a good organization."

Over six seasons, Burrow has missed real chunks of time because of multiple injuries. Last season, he injured his toe and was limited to only eight games. In 2023, he suffered a season-ending wrist injury. In the process, he started all 17 games only three times, that is, in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

The Bengals managed double-digit wins just twice in that run, even with a quarterback who can carry a whole franchise on pure talent alone.

Reports came out that Burrow himself drove the 2026 defensive overhaul for Cincinnati to sign defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

"From what I’m told, Joe Burrow said to management, ‘you gotta do something defensively or I’m out of here,’" analyst Dan Patrick reported. "I was told this morning by a source, who said that Joe has given them an ultimatum.”

The Bengals' response has been to rebuild the defense around Burrow, instead of just waiting for another injury-shortened season.

Whether that plan is enough to keep their franchise quarterback healthy is still a question heading into 2026.

NFL picks Joe Burrow and Bengals for Madrid game

The league’s choice to send Cincinnati to Madrid, Spain, for a 2026 regular-season game against the Atlanta Falcons shows where Burrow sits in the NFL’s international push. So, he needs to be healthy.

ESPN's Peter Schrager spelled out why Madrid matters. The Spanish capital is a "massive area of market growth for the NFL," Schrager explained, adding that it is a "priority to really build that fanbase" there. 

He stepped in for the Pro Bowl when the league needed a little boost. Burrow represented the NFL during that flag football game and has turned into one of the sport’s more recognizable faces internationally, too.

The Bengals haven't been passive about their rising status either. Cincinnati went all-in this offseason, making aggressive moves to build around Burrow.

Playing in Madrid has always been Burrow's dream. Will Cincinnati be able to keep its quarterback healthy this season?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Read more at Quarter Back Central.

Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar