Bengals' realistic contention window analyzed

The Cincinnati Bengals want to win right now. Everyone has seen Joe Burrow’s quotes about the “window being his whole career” and similar comments. But the Bengals have moved like a team this offseason that wants to win right away.

The big trade for Dexter Lawrence highlights this, to say the least. Realistically, though, the next few years are smack in the middle of Burrow’s prime. That’s why Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon suggested a 1-6 year window as prime Super Bowl contention years for the Bengals.

Gagnon wrote: "Not sure this Bengals core can survive a fourth consecutive non-playoff season without major changes that cloud the future. But if Joe Burrow and Co. put it back together in 2026, we could have the recipe for runs well into the 2030s."

Notably, the Bengals’ urge to win right now with Burrow makes for an interesting hot seat conversation around Zac Taylor. Regardless, the Bengals have done a good job of managing their cap space while moving like a modern franchise this offseason. That leaves them wiggle room to keep making big splashes that keep the window open for years to come.

Keep in mind, though, that Burrow turns 30 in December, so a six-ish year estimation and the overall urgency both make plenty of sense.This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' realistic contention window analyzed