Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison pitches Joe Burrow as a future Steelers QB as Aaron Rodgers' plans remain unclear | NFL News - The Times of India

Joe Burrow has tried to shut down the noise around his future more than once. He recently said he "can't see" a world where he isn't with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2026. That's the kind of answer fans expect from a franchise quarterback. Still, speculation has a way of sticking around, especially when seasons don't end the way players hope they will. That's why a recent comment from a former Steelers legend caught attention. With Aaron Rodgers' future in Pittsburgh still unclear, James Harrison decided to speak directly to Burrow and didn't hold back. What followed was less a casual opinion and more a full-on pitch, delivered publicly and with emotion. Harrison used his Deebo & Joe podcast to send his message. Flashing his Super Bowl rings and lowering his voice, he spoke straight to the Bengals quarterback. "Joe Burrow. Look, Joe. We're missing the piece, Joe. I'm talking to you," Harrison said. "Burrow, look here. We're missing a piece. You could be that piece. Joe, listen, you gotta look out for yourself. You gotta take care of yourself."He then leaned into his own experience in Cincinnati, trying to make the message more personal. "I care about you, Joe. Because I did do a year in Cincinnati, and I know what you're doing over there. What you're facing over there. What you're going through. I know what you're going through. I heard it in your voice. I feel your pain when I hear you talk, Joe. Burrow, Burrow, listen to me," he added.The pitch was emotional, but it didn't exactly match reality. Burrow has not shown clear signs of wanting out of Cincinnati. He understands his importance to the franchise and its fans. Missing the playoffs hurts, but it's not like Pittsburgh had an easy ride either. The Steelers needed a missed 44-yard field goal from Tyler Loop just to reach the postseason. Still, Harrison isn't completely inventing the idea. When Burrow was asked recently if he ever imagined playing for another team, he didn't fully shut it down. "A lot of crazy things happen every year," Burrow said.Burrow also admitted he isn't having fun the way he used to. Whether that frustration is about football overall or his situation with the Bengals isn't clear, but the comment was enough to get people talking.Harrison's timing matters because Pittsburgh's quarterback situation is unsettled. Rodgers arrived with the idea that this was a one-year run, but he hasn't fully closed the door on returning."No, I'm just -- it's been a grinding year," Rodgers explained. "And the two years before that were tough as well. So it's been an absolute blessing to be here with these fans and this organization and Mike [Tomlin] and the leadership that we've got with these guys."For now, Burrow remains in Cincinnati. But Harrison has made one thing clear. If change ever comes, he wants Burrow looking toward Pittsburgh.Also read: NFL Trade Rumors: Joe Burrow traded to New York Jets as Cincinnati Bengals acquire Fernando Mendoza