Could Joe Burrow to the Vikings Actually Happen? Here’s Why It’s Not as Far-Fetched as It Sounds
The J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota hasn’t exactly gotten off to a dream start. What began as a hopeful experiment has quickly turned into a harsh reality check, and now the Vikings find themselves facing a familiar offseason question: What’s the long-term plan at quarterback?
That question might’ve gotten a lot more interesting this week, thanks to some eye-opening comments from Joe Burrow. The Bengals’ All-Pro quarterback didn’t outright say he wants out, but he didn’t exactly shut the door either.
“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it,” Burrow told reporters. “I’ve been through a lot and if it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?”
That’s not your typical midseason soundbite. That’s a quarterback who sounds like he’s reevaluating everything - health, happiness, and maybe even his future in Cincinnati.
Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t a done deal. We’re still deep in the land of hypotheticals.
But the possibility of Burrow becoming available - and the Vikings being a potential landing spot - is suddenly worth discussing. And if you’re a Green Bay Packers fan, this is the kind of scenario that’ll make your stomach turn.
Why Minnesota Makes Sense for Burrow
Let’s start with the obvious: if Burrow is looking for a fresh start, Minnesota checks a lot of boxes.
First, protection. Burrow’s career has been defined as much by what he’s done on the field as by what he’s endured off of it.
He’s been sacked 203 times in just 73 games - a punishing pace that’s taken its toll. That’s more sacks than Andrew Luck had in his entire career, and we all know how that story ended.
In Minnesota, Burrow would find immediate relief. The Vikings’ offensive line, led by tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, is a significant upgrade from what he’s had in Cincinnati. That alone could extend his career.
Then there’s the receiving corps. Yes, Burrow has a special connection with Ja’Marr Chase.
But let’s not forget - Justin Jefferson was also part of that legendary LSU offense. Reuniting with Jefferson, and adding in Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and tight end T.J.
Hockenson, gives Burrow a deep and dynamic group of weapons. This isn’t a rebuild; this is a plug-and-play offense for a quarterback of Burrow’s caliber.
And while head coach Kevin O’Connell is facing pressure after a disappointing season, he’s still regarded as one of the better offensive minds in the league. Pairing him with a quarterback like Burrow could be the kind of move that resets the franchise - and quickly.
The Bengals’ Dilemma
The idea of trading Burrow would’ve been unthinkable not long ago. He’s a franchise cornerstone, the face of a team that reached the Super Bowl just a few seasons ago. But if Burrow is questioning his future, and if the Bengals are staring down another offseason of tough roster decisions, the conversation changes.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky didn’t mince words when he weighed in.
“It’s the beginning of the end for Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. The organization has absolutely failed him,” Orlovsky said. “If I’m the Jets, if I’m the Raiders, if I’m the Vikings, if I’m the Steelers - I am figuring out a way to get Joe Burrow.”
Of the teams Orlovsky mentioned, Minnesota stands out - and not just because of the talent. The Vikings play in the NFC, which would be a much more palatable destination for the Bengals than dealing Burrow within their own conference.
Sending him to the AFC Jets, Raiders, or Steelers would mean potentially facing him in the postseason. Minnesota?
That’s a safer bet for Cincinnati.
What This Means for the NFC North
If you’re the Packers, this is the kind of scenario you hope never materializes. Jordan Love is playing at an MVP level and has Green Bay trending upward. But adding Burrow to the division would instantly shift the balance of power.
Love has arguably outperformed every quarterback from the 2020 draft class not named Burrow - and even that’s a conversation. He’s been more durable than Tua Tagovailoa, more consistent than Jalen Hurts, and more poised than Justin Herbert. But Burrow, when healthy and protected, is still the gold standard from that class.
That’s the nightmare scenario. A healthy, motivated Joe Burrow, throwing to Justin Jefferson and operating behind a solid offensive line, with a creative play-caller like O’Connell pulling the strings. It’s the kind of move that could instantly vault the Vikings back into contention - and make life a whole lot harder for everyone else in the NFC North.
What’s Next?
For now, this is all speculation. Burrow is still a Bengal.
McCarthy is still the Vikings’ quarterback of the future - at least on paper. But the cracks are showing.
And if Minnesota wants to make a bold move, this might be the offseason to do it.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah faces a tough decision. Sticking with McCarthy might mean another year of growing pains.
Going after Burrow? That’s a franchise-altering swing - but one that could pay off in a massive way.
If Burrow does hit the market, Minnesota won’t be the only team calling. But they might just be the most attractive option.
And if that happens, the rest of the NFC North better be ready.