The Joe Burrow Rumors Are Not Done for the Vikings
Three months ago, when Joe Burrow expressed sadness about his life and football in general, NFL media ran wild with trade theories, including the Minnesota Vikings as a destination. Minnesota later signed Kyler Murray, and Burrow was not traded, but now the Vikings are already part of the 2027 Burrow rumor mill.
Burrow keeps showing up in Vikings speculation, even after Minnesota made its quarterback commitment this offseason.
If the Bengals don’t reach the playoffs or win a postseason game in 2026, the working theory suggests Burrow could demand a change of scenery. Per Bleacher Report, Minnesota is on the shortlist.
Murray’s Arrival Changed the Burrow Conversation
Hopefully, the Vikings don’t need Burrow.
BR: Vikings a Team to Watch for a 2027 Burrow Trade
BR’s Moe Moton named five trade landing spots for Burrow, just in case, and the Vikings made the cut.
He explained, “Among the possible landing spots, the Vikings would have the best structure in place for Burrow. He would reunite with his former LSU teammate, Justin Jefferson, who’s one of the league’s top receivers, easing the sting of leaving another star wideout, Ja’Marr Chase. Furthermore, as the Vikings’ lead skipper, Kevin O’Connell has won Coach of the Year and fielded a top-six passing offense in three of four seasons.”
“Regardless of Murray’s performance in the upcoming term, the Vikings should monitor Burrow’s situation in Cincinnati. They would need to clear some cap space to offer him a deal comparable to what other teams with more financial flexibility can offer, though. Minnesota is projected to have slightly less than $50 million in cap space next offseason.”
The Vikings will always be whispered the Burrow rumor mill so long as his college teammate, Justin Jefferson, is employed by the organization. The two won the National Championship in 2019.
CIN’s Obligation in 2026
The Bengals are all-in in 2026, as they should be: they have a Top 5 NFL quarterback and a Top 3 wide receiver. Cincinnati also traded for nose tackle Dexter Lawrence last weekend, donating the draft’s 10th overall pick to the New York Giants. No move screams all-in more than trading a Top 10 draft pick to another team for a 29-year-old interior defensive lineman.
After reaching the AFC Championship in 2022 — yes, four years ago — the Bengals haven’t returned to the postseason. It’s a dirty little secret for the NFL masses, but well known among Bengals loyalists: Cincinnati has missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
If they don’t win in 2026, Taylor will likely be canned, Burrow could ask to leave, and Cincinnati would start fresh.
Murray in the House — Perhaps for the Long Haul?
Listen, as wonderful as Burrow would be in purple on Sundays, the Vikings will hope “not to need him.” What does that mean? Well, the club has Murray in the house as QB1, and if he cooks, no Burrow will be needed.
It’s not every day that a Pro Bowl former 1st-Rounder is dropped into a team’s lap for $1.3 million bucks. If Murray plays well in Minnesota and the Vikings do damage in the playoffs, there’s just no way that Minnesota parts ways with Murray — not after what happened with Sam Darnold in 2025. If you’re not aware of what happened, definitely don’t Google it.
Other Burrow Destinations
If Burrow requests a trade, but the Vikings don’t express interest due to Murray’s success, a preliminary trade shortlist might look like this:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Houston Texans
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- New York Jets
The Cardinals were very first on Moton’s list, and he wrote, “Draft analysts expect the 2027 quarterback class to be stronger than this year’s group. If Joe Burrow looks for greener pastures at the end of the 2026 season, Arizona can add him to a mix of possible targets to upgrade the most important position on its roster.”
“In a rebuild with a new coaching staff, Arizona’s 2027 draft pick could be a top-five selection, which would be a quality trade asset. The Cardinals are projected to have the most cap space next offseason, with over $155 million, allowing them to offer Burrow a bigger extension than any other team.”
The state of the Cardinals’ quarterback situation? Jacoby Brissett — yes, him — is holding out for a larger contract.
Moton added, “Burrow could also see potential in an offense that features All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., despite his recent ups and downs, and Michael Wilson, who eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards last season. Arizona has some assets that can appeal to the Bengals and Burrow.”
Burrow will turn 30 in December. As for Burrow’s trade price, fans don’t even want to think about it. It’s probably two or three 1st-Rounders to start a conversation.
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