While Lamar Jackson has slimmed down, Joe Burrow has bulked up.
The Bengals quarterback, who is coming off wrist surgery, returned to the practice field last week and confirmed that he is “definitely bigger.”
Burrow didn’t reveal how much weight he’s put on, and said he anticipates adding more before training camp.
“I’m gonna continue to get stronger and bigger throughout the offseason and just play it by ear, depending on how I feel,” Burrow told reporters last week. “I’m in a good spot right now. I’m really strong, bigger than I was. We’re gonna continue to eat right, lift and go through my routine and see where I’m at.”
Burrow, who has been throwing for more than a month, hasn’t finished two of his four NFL seasons. He suffered an ACL tear in Week 11 during his rookie season. He’s hoping that more muscle will keep him healthier, though last year’s wrist injury had seemingly nothing to do with his size.
“I’m eating more, I’m more dialed as far as nutrition and food schedule and eating when I need to,” Burrow said. “That’s been a big area of emphasis for me, and I’ve seen the results.”
While there’s been speculation about the possibility of the Steelers trading running back Najee Harris, a far different scenario is sounding more likely. Pittsburgh declined to pick up Harris’ fifth-year option, but he could still have a long-term future in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulcac said on SirusXM NFL Radio that he thinks the Steelers will look to work out a deal with Harris that keeps him beyond 2024.
“They are not dissatisfied with Najee Harris,” Dulcac said. “They are not ready to give up on Najee Harris or move on from Najee Harris.”
Dulcac said he expects a two-year contract that will compensate Harris for the income he would’ve gotten from the fifth-year option. Harris has topped 1,000 rushing yards and scored at least seven rushing touchdowns in each of his three NFL seasons.
