Predicting Joe Burrow's Next NFL Destination if Bengals Struggle in 2026

The Cincinnati Bengals surprised many around the NFL when they traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. As it turns out, the front office may feel some pressure from Joe Burrow to win now.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bengals are entering a crucial season regarding Burrow's future.

"This is considered to be a hugely significant season for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati. If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city. The Bengals had to give Burrow and the franchise the best chance to win now. Lawrence does that, more than any player they could have picked at No. 10."

At the end of the previous campaign, Burrow told reporters in a transparent press conference that he wasn't having fun playing football. He denied that those comments had anything to do with the Bengals, though his remarks still led to speculation about his future.

Schefter reported that Burrow is committed to the Bengals this year, but the organization may be on the clock with its star quarterback. After an appearance in Super Bowl LVI and the AFC Championship Game between 2021 and 2022, the Bengals have gone 24-27 and missed the playoffs in three consecutive years. 

Cincinnati would likely need to reach the postseason to quell chatter about Burrow's questionable future. If not, teams will inquire with draft picks and players to acquire a two-time Comeback Player of the Year and three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller.

Looking ahead to the 2027 offseason, here are five teams that would be in the best position to trade for Burrow if he wants out of Cincinnati.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals' projected starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett wants a new deal after throwing for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 64.9 percent completion rate in 14 games (12 starts) last season. He's a high-end bridge-gap signal-caller entering his age-34 term.

Behind Brissett on the depth chart, Gardner Minshew II is on his fifth team in five years. Kedon Slovis hasn't started in a regular-season game.

The Cardinals don't have a long-term starting quarterback on their roster, and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they're one of two teams most interested in Ty Simpson.

The Cardinals don't have to make a move for Simpson, though. If Monti Ossenfort has job security beyond this year, despite his 12-22 record as the team's general manager, he could wait until next offseason to address the position. 

Draft analysts expect the 2027 quarterback class to be stronger than this year's group. If Joe Burrow looks for greener pastures at the end of the 2026 season, Arizona can add him to a mix of possible targets to upgrade the most important position on its roster.

In a rebuild with a new coaching staff, Arizona's 2027 draft pick could be a top-five selection, which would be a quality trade asset.

The Cardinals are projected to have the most cap space next offseason, with over $155 million, allowing them to offer Burrow a bigger extension than any other team. 

Burrow could also see potential in an offense that features All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., despite his recent ups and downs, and Michael Wilson, who eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards last season.

Arizona has some assets that can appeal to the Bengals and Burrow.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons have a new regime in place, led by president of football Matt Ryan and two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.

Formerly the lead skipper of the Cleveland Browns, Stefanski knows Joe Burrow well. In fact, his Browns went 6-4 against the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback between 2020 and 2025. 

Because of those tough AFC North battles, Burrow probably has a profound respect for Stefanski, despite his recent struggles in Cleveland.

Moreover, Burrow may be intrigued by a team under the control of a former quarterback and league MVP in Ryan. As former No. 1 overall picks at the position, they can establish a unique bond through their career parallels.

Next offseason, the Falcons will have the third-most cap space across the league with over $148 million. They could offer multiple first-rounders to the Bengals and give Burrow a new deal. Keep in mind that he has only one year of guaranteed money on his contract after the 2026 campaign.

Atlanta has quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa on the roster, but the former is once again recovering from knee surgery after an inconsistent second season, and the latter is only under contract for this year.

The Falcons' new administration can wipe the quarterback slate clean for Burrow in 2027. 

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Jessica Tobias

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray

This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, though remember, we've seen this organization move on from Sam Darnold after one Pro Bowl season.

So, even if Murray plays well in 2026, he's not a lock to remain with the team beyond the upcoming campaign. 

The Vikings upgraded at quarterback, but Murray doesn't have a playoff win on his seven-year resume. When you couple that with questions about his leadership skills in Arizona, it's reasonable for Minnesota to hesitate before signing him to a multiyear extension.

Sure, in hindsight, the Vikings made a crucial mistake in letting Darnold walk in free agency and replacing him with J.J. McCarthy, one that likely factored into former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's dismissal. 

However, they can't let that miscalculation dictate future decisions, especially if the club has a chance to acquire a franchise quarterback.

Among the possible landing spots, the Vikings would have the best structure in place for Burrow. He would reunite with his former LSU teammate, Justin Jefferson, who's one of the league's top receivers, easing the sting of leaving another star wideout, Ja'Marr Chase.

Furthermore, as the Vikings' lead skipper, Kevin O'Connell has won Coach of the Year and fielded a top-six passing offense in three of four seasons.

Regardless of Murray's performance in the upcoming term, the Vikings should monitor Burrow's situation in Cincinnati. They would need to clear some cap space to offer him a deal comparable to what other teams with more financial flexibility can offer, though. Minnesota is projected to have slightly less than $50 million in cap space next offseason. 

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough

Joe Burrow may be open to a full-circle situation, going back to Louisiana, where he played college football and won a national title with an undefeated club.

At the end of the 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints looked like an ascending team with a rookie quarterback. They won four of their last five games, and Tyler Shough played well down the stretch.

Shough finished a distant second behind wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan for the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year award, but he's not solidified as a franchise quarterback yet.

If Shough regresses or struggles with injuries as he did through his collegiate years, New Orleans could be open to acquiring a proven franchise quarterback. Yes, Burrow has battled injuries in his career, but the Saints can at least protect him from excessive hits on the field.

Over the last two years, the Saints drafted offensive tackles Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. This offseason, they signed guard David Edwards. Erik McCoy is a two-time Pro Bowl center.

On top of that, head coach Kellen Moore is a former quarterback who's built a solid reputation as a play-caller, fielding top-seven scoring offenses with the Dallas Cowboys and the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.

If the Saints believe they're a high-level quarterback away from serious contention, don't be surprised if their front office is willing to swap Shough and multiple first-rounders for Burrow.

New York Jets

AP Photo/David Kohl,

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith

If Joe Burrow isn't happy with the Cincinnati Bengals by the end of the 2026 season, he'll probably prefer to play with a contender or an organization headed in the right direction. Right now, the New York Jets don't fit those descriptions.

However, it's hard to ignore what the Jets can offer the Bengals in a hypothetical trade.

Gang Green has three first-round picks in the 2027 draft: its own selection, the Indianapolis Colts' pick and the Dallas Cowboys' pick.

If Cincinnati trades Burrow, it could find his replacement in a potential quarterback-rich draft class with a treasure chest of picks. The Jets may have a top-five selection, but even if they don't, the Bengals can use the draft capital to move up for a prospect.

Sure, Gang Green would need to keep some of its draft capital to strengthen Burrow's supporting cast, but the team has a couple of playmakers on the roster. 

Last season, the Jets signed wideout Garrett Wilson to a four-year extension. General manager Darren Mougey told reporters that he wants to work on a new deal with running back Breece Hall after the upcoming draft. New York can also protect Burrow with first-round offensive tackles from the last two drafts in Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou.

Burrow may still be wary of the Jets' history of dysfunction from ownership down, but from the Bengals' perspective, Gang Green would likely have the most appealing trade package.

Geno Smith could have a bounce-back year in his second stint with the Jets, but at 35, he's not a long-term starter, and he's only under contract this year.

Team salary cap and player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.