Joe Burrow’s latest was a gut-level confession that instantly sent shockwaves through the league.

Speaking candidly about the mental and physical toll of repeated injuries, Burrow admitted he has “been through more than most,” opening up about the strain after injury.

After his surprising admission, fans began drawing parallels to Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement, especially after Burrow hinted at how exhausting the cycle has become. And multiple outlets noted how ominous the comments felt, with some Bengals supporters openly wondering about his long-term future.

That uncertainty is exactly what cracked the door open for a bigger conversation, and ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky walked right through it.

Asked whether Burrow could actually retire, Orlovsky said it would “shock me if he retired yes,” even though he agreed the Andrew Luck similarities were impossible to ignore. What would not shock him was NFL teams immediately circling. “It would shock me if three teams weren’t on the phone today after what he said yesterday, figuring out how to make him part of our football team… he obviously is in a bad place with that organization.”

Orlovsky did not keep the names secret. He listed the three teams he believes would already be strategizing a path to Burrow, saying the Jets, Raiders, and Steelers are the ones who should be in emergency meetings right now. “Those would be the three that if I were those organizations, I’d be in a brainstorming meeting now. We are figuring out a way to propose a way to get Joe Burrow. And I don’t necessarily care what it takes.”

The former NFL QB and analyst went even further, framing Joe Burrow just a tier below Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes, but still worth a franchise-altering move.

Orlovsky referenced his long-held belief that teams should give “every single pick… for eternity” for Mahomes, before spinning it back to Burrow. If you’re the Jets, “take everything.” If you’re the Steelers, “I would literally give up everything I have to get him,” even while acknowledging Cincinnati would never trade him within the division.

Burrow’s press conference was a shock when he said, “I have been through a lot. If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?” He also added, “It doesn’t change my desire to win.” When an NFL reporter asked if it was tough to find joy again considering his past, Burrow answered simply, “It’s certainly.”

The message was unmistakable. Joe Burrow’s comments may have spooked Bengals fans, but they also lit up front offices across the league. And if the Bengals do not get their house in order, or if Burrow’s frustration deepens, those teams will not just be circling. They will be dialing.