Only a crystal ball knows what the future holds for Joe Burrow.

The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has sent some mixed messages at recent press conferences, opening the door for speculation about what it all means going forward. While Burrow told the media on Dec. 17 that he “can’t see” any world where he’s not with the Bengals in 2026, that wasn’t the only noteworthy thing that came out of the session.

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Burrow was then asked if he has ever thought about playing for another franchise.

“You think about a lot of things,” Burrow said.

“A lot of crazy things happen every year,” Burrow added, noting that even Micah Parsons was traded by the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season.

“That’s something I hadn’t seen in a long time in the NFL,” he added. “Crazy things can happen.”

The quarterback’s future came into question after he was reflective during a Dec. 10 press conference, saying he needs to have fun to keep playing.

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“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it,” Burrow said ahead of Week 15. “I have been through a lot. If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?”

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Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa’s effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

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Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa’s effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

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He later added that he believes he’s been through more than most, pointing out that it’s not easy on his brain or body.

With that in mind, reporters questioned Burrow, asking if he’s thought about how much he loves the game and if he’s ever thought about not playing anymore.

“You think about a lot of different things in your life just like everybody does,” Burrow said. “I’m gonna be playing for a long time and I expect to play well and consistently great for a long time.”

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Burrow pointed to examples of players who played for a long time – Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco.

“I want to be in the conversations with people like that and I do everything that I need to do for my body to prepare it for these games and for long-term success,” Burrow said. “So I plan on doing it for a long time at a high level.”

Burrow, who still has four seasons left on his five-year, $275 million deal, appears primed for an offseason filled with questions.

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He has a no-trade clause, meaning any potential deal would require his stamp of approval.

The Bengals are set to miss the playoffs for a third-straight season, but that won’t keep Burrow from suiting up for the final three games – even though some fans would rather see the quarterback protect his health and sit out to potentially improve the team’s draft position.

“It feels like everybody’s trying to do everything in their power to make me not play football and I feel like I’m fighting it,” Burrow said.

“I’m fighting everybody else. I just want to play ball. That’s all I want to do.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Burrow ‘can’t see’ world where he’s not with Bengals in 2026