Joe Burrow’s recent remarks have sparked speculation among NFL general managers, suggesting that they see an opportunity regarding the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback. While the potential for a trade or Burrow’s desire to pursue other options remains uncertain, executives are eager to weigh in on the situation.
An NFC front office official estimated that only a few teams would not make an attempt to acquire Burrow if he were made available. Meanwhile, an executive from the AFC suggested that any trade for Burrow would necessitate an extraordinarily high price, comparable to the monumental deal the New Orleans Saints orchestrated in 1999 to select running back Ricky Williams. This past trade involved sacrificing all of the Saints’ draft picks for that year along with two future first-round selections.
Another NFC executive commented on the situation, noting that it would likely require at least two first-round picks for the Bengals to consider a trade, or potentially three without any player trades included in the deal. This high asking price reflects the significant value Burrow holds as a young quarterback leading his team.
Burrow has provided mixed signals about his future in Cincinnati. Earlier this month, he mentioned that he couldn’t envision playing anywhere but Cincinnati by 2026, yet he also hinted at the possibility of exploring other options when responding to questions about his career trajectory, stating, “You think about a lot of things.”
Burrow’s cryptic comments have kept fans and analysts alike engaged, particularly as they try to decipher the implications. Additionally, he recently showcased his thoughtful side by giving his offensive linemen fossilized gifts for the holidays, which included dinosaur, bear, and mammoth fossils. This gesture speaks volumes about his personality and character, with tackle Orlando Brown Jr. calling Burrow “a special person” and center Ted Karras highlighting his intelligence and uniqueness.
As the speculation continues, Burrow’s future in Cincinnati will keep both fans and teams attentive to developments surrounding the quarterback and the Bengals.