Joe Burrow set to make bombshell trade demand from Bengals, claims NFL insider
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been a cornerstone of the franchise, but NFL analyst Colin Cowherd believes a major shake-up could be on the horizon.
While speaking on his podcast, Cowherd recently speculated that Burrow might eventually request a trade if the team fails to build a competitive roster around him.
The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2024 despite Burrow putting up one of the best individual seasons by a quarterback in recent history. The team’s struggles were largely attributed to an inconsistent defense and front-office decisions that left key players’ futures uncertain.
With wide receiver Tee Higgins set to hit free agency, Joe Burrow has reportedly been pushing hard for Cincinnati to retain him.
However, Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin has been hesitant about a contract extension, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future.
Cowherd believes that this lack of direction could lead to frustration for Burrow, potentially forcing him to reconsider his long-term commitment to Cincinnati.
While the Bengals have made it clear they have no plans to trade their star quarterback, they also understand that keeping him happy means assembling a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl.
Joe Burrow has been vocal about keeping his key teammates around. He has reportedly expressed a willingness to restructure his contract if it helps the Bengals afford players like Higgins and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
However, the team’s front office remains non-committal on how they plan to approach these negotiations.
A potential solution is spreading Higgins’ contract over multiple years with signing bonuses, a tactic used by aggressive teams like the Eagles. However, Cincinnati has historically been cautious with finances.
Cowherd noted their smaller front office limits strategic flexibility, fueling speculation that Burrow is "trapped" in a system unwilling to make bold moves to build a Super Bowl-caliber roster.
Joe Burrow’s mindset heading into the 2025 season
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the roster, Burrow remains focused on improving his own game.
During his appearance on Barstool Sports' Pardon My Take podcast, Joe Burrow discussed his approach to the 2025 season. When asked about setting goals like 7,000 passing yards, he emphasized overall improvement instead.
"I think I had my best year as a pro. I think there's no level that I can hit. So I'm excited to go hit that next year," Burrow said.
In 2024, Joe Burrow rushed for over 200 yards, showcasing an ability to be a dual-threat quarterback when needed. While his primary strength remains his elite passing, his increased mobility could provide another layer to Cincinnati’s offensive attack in 2025.
While talk of a trade request remains speculative at this stage, the pressure is on the Bengals to prove to their franchise quarterback that they are committed to sustained success.
If they fail to do so, Cowherd’s prediction of a potential trade request from Joe Burrow may not seem so far-fetched in the coming years.