Joe Burrow Trade Rumors Discussed by NFL Insider Amid Vikings Buzz on J.J. McCarthy's Future

As the Minnesota Vikings try to find a veteran quarterback to at least compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job going into next season, a dream scenario of trading for Joe Burrow is reportedly not on the table.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Cincinnati Bengals have "no intention" of moving their star quarterback.

"Everything gets blown out of proportion with him," Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase told Russini about Burrow. "He still loves to work on his craft and become the best every day."

Burrow's future with the Bengals became a talking point in December when he told reporters that he has to "have fun" playing if he wants to keep doing it.

The immediate reaction to those comments was comparing Burrow to Andrew Luck, who was incredibly successful early in his career before injuries led to his retirement at the age of 29.

It also led to speculation that Burrow might be thinking about a future not in Cincinnati. The three-time Pro Bowler has downplayed those discussions, saying he "can't see" any scenario where he's not playing for the Bengals in 2026.

The Vikings entered the picture as a popular landing spot because of McCarthy's struggles this season and Justin Jefferson played with Burrow on the legendary 2019 LSU team that won a national title.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis said on his podcast this week that the Vikings would do "everything they possibly can" to acquire Burrow if he were to become available.

There is a widespread expectation that the Vikings will explore the trade and free-agent markets to bring in an established veteran capable of at least competing with McCarthy to be the starter next season.

Even if Burrow wanted a trade, it would be extremely difficult for the Bengals to make it work from a cap perspective. They would take on a $56.5 million dead cap charge if he were to be moved prior to June 1.

It would also be devastating to a Bengals franchise that is 43-33-1 in 77 games Burrow has started since 2020. They are 7-16 with any other quarterback starting over the past six seasons, including a 1-8 record in 2025.