The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t eager to trade away Joe Burrow this offseason, but apparently a few teams will try their best to force their hand.
Before the 2025 regular season came to an end, Burrow made it known that Cincinnati has to make changes in order to get back into playoff contention. Despite taking his demands public, the front office hasn’t made any massive changes to its coaching staff or personnel.
“We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change,” Burrow told reporters, via ESPN. “Whether it’s players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change].”
Some fans are convinced Burrow may request a trade in the coming months. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, however, reported that Cincinnati has zero interest in moving its franchise quarterback.
Even though Burrow isn’t on the tr
According to Grant Cohn of San Francisco 49ers on SI, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing a massive trade offer for Burrow. They’d love to reunite him with his former LSU teammate, Justin Jefferson.
“They want to get right back into contention,” Cohn said. “They’re planning to offer J.J. McCarthy and Jonathan Greenard, and two first‑round picks to the Cincinnati Bengals for Joe Burrow. If the Bengals say no, then they might go out and get Kirk Cousins, bring him back.”
Is that enough to acquire Burrow?
CBS Sports reported mid-season that Cincinnati wants a “Ricky Williams-type” trade offer from teams interested in Burrow. The New Orleans Saints sent all of their picks from the 1999 NFL Draft as well as two of their top three picks from the 2000 NFL Draft to the Washington Redskins just so they can select Williams.
Offering up J.J. McCarthy, Jonathan Greenard and two first-round picks might not be enough to land Burrow, especially since other teams can put together better packages. Let’s not forget the New York Jets own five first-round picks over the next two drafts.
For now though, we expect Burrow to stay with the Bengals.
