Superstar QB Appears to Open Door for Eventual Trade
The 2026 NFL offseason will feature some intense quarterback movement, probably highlighted by a Kyler Murray trade or release, as well as typical free-agent signings. But what about Joe Burrow? All of a sudden, the two-time Pro Bowler doesn’t sound overly happy in Cincinnati.
A Pro Bowl quarterback appeared to open the door for an eventual trade after hinting this week to reporters that football may not be fun anymore.
Burrow spoke with reporters on Wednesday and sounded outwardly downtrodden.
A Joe Burrow Trade Could Happen … if Driven By Him
Something to remember.
Burrow Sounds Dejected Talking to Reporters
Burrow spoke to Cincinnati media on Wednesday, sounding completely dejected throughout. He said, “If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. You know, I’ve been through a lot. And if it’s not fun, what am I doing it for? I’m not sure there was a singular moment or time. It’s just reflection.”
“Reflection on a lot of things that I’ve done and been through in my career, I think. You know, I’ve been through more than most, and it’s certainly not easy on the brain or the body, so I’m just trying to have fun doing it again. There’s just a lot of things going on right now. A lot of things going on right now.”
A reporter then asked if it was hard to have fun at the moment, and he replied, “Yes, certainly.”
A follow-up asked Burrow if he was talking about his personal life or football. “All of the above,” Burrow replied.
Yikes.
What if … Burrow Wants Out?
Until Wednesday, some Vikings fans had dreamed big about the 2026 offseason quarterback possibilities, assuming J.J. McCarthy simply showed no improvement down the stretch of 2025. For example, that crowd shot for the stars, brainstorming names like Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, and even Lamar Jackson.
Burrow was also included in the outlandish scenario, but the question remained: Why would Cincinnati trade a Top 5 NFL quarterback?
Well, here’s the deal. Burrow’s tone and comments on Wednesday revealed a passer who may want to get hell out. Prior to this week, no one knew of Burrow’s mood. After viewing his demeanor and hearing his replies this week, it wouldn’t be too strange if Burrow requested a trade.
Cincinnati electively seeking a Burrow trade, and Burrow demanding one are markedly different things.
The Inevitable Vikings Angle + Justin Jefferson
And if that time comes — Burrow asking for a trade because his life is no longer any good with the Bengals — you better believe the Vikings’ name would be near the top of the list.
Even if McCarthy played like a Pro Bowler in the season’s final four games, the franchise would have to entertain trading the farm to the Bengals for Burrow’s services. Burrow turned 29 on Wednesday — yes, he made the no-fun comments on his birthday — so Minnesota, in theory, could build around Burrow for the next 5-8 years.
There’s also the Justin Jefferson angle. Burrow and Jefferson won a National Championship together at LSU in 2019. The connection could feed families. That — and Jefferson has been visibly frustrated with his team’s offense in the last month.
Burrow would assuredly cure Jefferson’s frustration.
Luka Doncic Lesson
A kneejerk reaction to reading an article like this might be, “Get real. They’re not trading Burrow.”
Did you expect the Dallas Mavericks to trade Luka Doncic for pennies on the dollar 10 months ago? What about Micah Parsons to Green Bay, a sure-fire Hall of Famer on the move for a couple of draft picks and Kenny Clark?
Sports are weird, and if Burrow wants out, vocally requesting a trade sometime soon, the Bengals may have no choice.
USA Today on Burrow
Wajih AlBaroudi weighed in on the Burrow situation this week: “The Cincinnati Bengals are sapping the life out of Joe Burrow, or so it seems. The two-time Pro Bowler appeared despondent at times during a press conference Wednesday, admitting he needs to prioritize finding the fun in football to battle through the adversity it comes with.”
“It’s an admirable mindset, but unfortunately fun isn’t going to solve all Burrow’s problems. Burrow worked his way back from turf toe this season only to face zero margin of error upon returning, as the Bengals dug themselves into a 3-8 hole with him sidelined.”
The Bengals would swallow a dead cap penalty of over $50 million if they traded Burrow before June 1st, 2026.
AlBaroudi added, “Zac Taylor still can’t coach his way out of a Skyline Chili bowl, and the front office seems more concerned about nickel-and-diming their homegrown stars than spending whatever it to takes to build a consistent championship contender.”
“There’s no fun like winning, and if that’s what Burrow is seeking, it may not happen in Cincinnati unless serious, franchise-altering changes take place.”
Burrow has missed 31% of all games to injury in the last three seasons.
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