Amid another disappointing campaign for the Cincinnati Bengals, quarterback Joe Burrow made comments recently that led many to wonder if he might retire early, or at the very least want out of Cincinnati.
While reports suggest neither is the case and Burrow was simply venting when he admitted he wasn't having fun playing football, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reports Burrow's comments will be enough to garner trade calls from teams this offseason.
To be clear, Jones' sources don't believe Burrow will actually be traded, but teams are going to inquire about his availability nonetheless.
"Sources from multiple teams tell CBS Sports they anticipate several teams will attempt a pursuit of trading for Burrow in the offseason," Jones said.
"This comes after weeks of Burrow voicing frustration with losing, despite saying he plans to remain in Cincinnati in 2026 and despite the Bengals showing no interest in dealing him," Jones added.
As Jones points out, Burrow has said he plans on being with the Bengals in 2026, and we can say for sure Cincinnati has no interest in trading him.
Perhaps Burrow changes his mind between now and the start of the offseason, but it would take a true power move from the Bengals superstar to force Cincinnati to trade him and we don't see that happening.
In the unlikely event the Bengals do decide to trade Burrow, one NFL executive told Jones it would cost at least two first-round picks if a young player or players are involved, and maybe three first-round picks if no players are involved.
"Probably depends on if a team has a young QB or players to offer but imagine they won't even answer the phone if you don't have at least two first-round picks plus more," the exec said. "Maybe even three if you're not doing it with any players involved."
While expensive, teams would be lining up around the block to give the Bengals that kind of package, as Burrow is a franchise-changing player and those types of players rarely become available for trade, especially at quarterback.
All that said, it remains highly unlikely Burrow will be moved in 2026, so Bengals fans can breathe easy.
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