It’s been a rocky ride in Cincinnati this season, and while Joe Burrow has publicly said he doesn’t see himself playing anywhere else in 2026, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from heating up. This week, a bold prediction from Pittsburgh sports radio personality Andrew Fillipponi stirred the pot in a big way - suggesting not only that Burrow could be on the move, but that he and star wideout Ja’Marr Chase might both be headed to New Orleans.
Yes, you read that right. According to Fillipponi, the Bengals could potentially trade Burrow and Chase to the Saints in what he calls the “biggest draft haul in NFL history.”
The proposed return? Quarterback Tyler Shough and a package of picks heading back to Cincinnati.
It’s a blockbuster concept that sounds like something out of a Madden franchise mode - but it’s gaining traction in fan circles, especially with frustration reportedly bubbling behind the scenes in Cincinnati.
Burrow, of course, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and quickly became the face of the Bengals franchise. He delivered on that promise in 2022, leading Cincinnati to the Super Bowl, where they came up just short against the Rams. But since then, it’s been a mix of brilliance and bad breaks, with injuries derailing multiple seasons and casting a shadow over what should have been a golden era for the Bengals.
As for Chase, he’s locked in - at least on paper - after signing a four-year, $161 million extension back in March. That deal made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league, and for good reason.
When healthy, the Burrow-Chase connection is one of the most dangerous in football. Trading both would be a seismic shift for a franchise that’s built its identity around that duo.
Still, with the Bengals sitting at 4-10 and officially out of playoff contention, questions about the future are fair game. The team has struggled to find consistency this season, and while Burrow’s injury situation has played a big role, it’s clear the roster has holes that need addressing. Whether that leads to major offseason changes - or something as dramatic as moving on from Burrow and Chase - remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the focus shifts to Week 16, where the Bengals will face the Miami Dolphins (6-8) on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. It’s a matchup between two teams already eliminated from playoff contention, but there’s still pride - and evaluation - on the line.
For the Dolphins, the storyline centers around rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who’s been named the starter in place of Tua Tagovailoa. That move signals a potential shift in Miami’s long-term quarterback plans, and Sunday’s game will be a key opportunity for Ewers to show what he can do against an AFC opponent.
For Cincinnati, it’s about finishing strong. Even with the playoffs off the table, these final weeks matter - for player development, for locker room morale, and maybe even for the front office as it evaluates what comes next. The Burrow-Chase era isn’t over yet, but if predictions like Fillipponi’s come anywhere close to reality, it could be heading into uncertain territory.
One thing is clear: this offseason could be one of the most pivotal in recent Bengals history.