Joe Burrow raised some eyebrows this week - and not for anything he did on the field. After a frustrating 39-34 loss to the Bills in Week 14, the Bengals quarterback opened up in a way we rarely see from a franchise face. He admitted he hasn’t been having much fun playing football lately and even hinted at questioning his future in the league beyond the 2025 season.
That kind of honesty from a player of Burrow’s stature is bound to spark conversation, especially when it comes on the heels of a brutal stretch for Cincinnati. But according to reports, this wasn’t Burrow throwing in the towel - this was Burrow sending a message.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Burrow’s comments were less about retirement and more about putting pressure on the Bengals’ front office. The message? This team needs to get serious about building a contender - and fast.
Burrow, per Rapoport, feels like the Bengals have to play nearly perfect football just to have a shot at winning right now. And let’s be honest - that’s not sustainable, especially in a loaded AFC. The implication is clear: if Cincinnati wants to keep its franchise quarterback happy - and healthy - they’ve got to be aggressive this offseason.
A Season to Forget
It’s been a rough ride for Burrow in 2025. He missed nine games after undergoing foot surgery, and while there was some hope he might return to spark a late-season push, the Bengals’ playoff hopes quickly faded. Back-to-back losses to the Bills and Ravens dropped them to 4-10, and Burrow threw four interceptions across those two games.
This isn’t the first time Burrow has had to battle back from injury - far from it. He’s already been named NFL Comeback Player of the Year twice in his young career. That’s a testament to his resilience, but it also underscores just how much physical punishment he’s taken in six NFL seasons.
So when Burrow talks about not enjoying the game right now, it’s not hard to understand why. The Bengals came into the year with playoff expectations. Instead, they’re staring down another long offseason, and their quarterback is once again trying to bounce back from a serious injury.
Trade Talk Heating Up?
Now, to be clear - Burrow has said his recent comments weren’t about wanting out of Cincinnati. But that won’t stop other teams from picking up the phone.
Back in 2020, the Miami Dolphins reportedly offered the Bengals four first-round picks to move up and draft Burrow No. 1 overall. Cincinnati passed, and the rest is history. But now, with Miami reportedly planning to move on from their current starter, it’s not hard to imagine them - and other QB-needy teams - testing the Bengals’ resolve again.
As of now, there’s been no indication that Cincinnati is open to trading Burrow. And frankly, it’s hard to envision a scenario where they’d willingly move on from one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. But in today’s NFL, nothing is off the table - especially when a franchise player starts hinting at uncertainty about his future.
What Comes Next
This offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Bengals. They’ve got their guy under center - but keeping him there, both physically and emotionally, is going to require action. That means fortifying the offensive line, adding playmakers, and building a roster that doesn’t require perfection to compete.
Burrow’s comments weren’t a farewell speech. They were a challenge. Now it’s on the Bengals to respond.