Joe Burrow’s Bengals Announce Big Decision on Player Who Demanded Change in Pensions

Joe Burrow’s Bengals just locked in one of their own for at least another year. Center Ted Karras signed a one-year contract extension worth around $6 million, as per Spotrac, on the eve of the 2025 season opener. This marks his 11th NFL season and fifth in Cincinnati, where he’s become a rock in the middle of the offensive line. Karras hasn’t missed a snap in 50 starts and remains one of the team’s most relied-upon leaders. “This is where I want to be,” Karras said with his trademark Cincy hat on. “People here have been so great to me on and off the field, and the goal remains the same. To win a championship.”

But there’s more to Karras than just durability and snaps. He’s also the Bengals’ vice president for the NFL Players Association. And this Labor Day, Karras put a spotlight on an overlooked issue: pensions for practice squad veterans. “I think with the extension of veteran practice squad, two years on a P squad should equal one year of service towards our pension,” he said, calling on the league to give credit where it’s due to players grinding on practice squads for years.

We have extended C Ted Karras.

: https://t.co/VUpnvv3SCS pic.twitter.com/gqXXnd0SZv

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 5, 2025

The history here is deep. Since the 1966 AFL-NFL merger, player pensions have evolved dramatically. Today, active players with three credited seasons vest their pensions, but practice squad players don’t. Guys like Jake Browning, in his seventh year but only counted for about three credited seasons, don’t get pension benefits despite their contributions.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned!

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