NFL executives, coaches, and scouts ranked Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow as the second-best quarterback in the league, just behind two-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

This alone should make it easier for the Bengals to lock Burrow for more seasons. The 2020 No. 1 draft pick is still in his rookie contract, and many expect him to nail the biggest contract after it.

However, the Bengals' front office remains mum on what to do next with Burrow. Owner Mike Brown refused to discuss the topic in front of reporters before the start of training camp.

"I have bound myself not to talk about Joe's contract," he said.

"They don't think it's helpful for the negotiations. The other side has made the same commitment, and they have not broken it."

Cincinnati director of player personnel Duke Tobin also chose to keep his mouth shut on the status of negotiations.

"Yeah, I'm not going to provide any updates," he said.

"Maybe there will be people through here that will. But I don't have any updates on any contract negotiations with any of our guys, unfortunately."

Bengals eye keeping the core of the team

The Bengals like to work as a pack, and by next season, the team wants to keep it that way.

Tobin said they plan to re-sign several players who were part of their 2022 season, leading them to a conference championship.

"We'd like to get a lot of guys re-signed," he explained.

"We want them here long term. I think they know that. And we'll see what happens as we go. But that's the only update I have. Won't be giving blow-by-blows here."