Report: Vikings Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Bengals QB Joe Burrow
The Minnesota Vikings might be preparing to make one of the boldest moves of the NFL offseason - and it involves prying Joe Burrow away from the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to a new report, the Vikings are gearing up to offer a massive trade package in an attempt to land the star quarterback. The proposed deal?
Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, and two first-round picks - all in exchange for Burrow.
That’s not just a swing for the fences - that’s trying to knock the ball out of the stadium.
Now, let’s be clear: there’s been no official word from Burrow or the Bengals indicating a trade request is on the table. But Burrow did raise a few eyebrows back in December with a cryptic response when asked about the possibility of playing elsewhere.
“You think about a lot of things,” he said. That comment, coupled with a notably somber press conference a week earlier - where he mentioned having “a lot of things going on” both on and off the field - has fueled speculation about his long-term future in Cincinnati.
So why would the Vikings go all-in for Burrow?
It’s no secret that Minnesota is in search of its next franchise quarterback. Kirk Cousins' future remains uncertain, and while J.J.
McCarthy is an intriguing prospect, he’s still unproven at the NFL level. Burrow, on the other hand, is a proven commodity - a former No. 1 overall pick with a Super Bowl appearance already under his belt.
If healthy and properly protected, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in football.
The potential deal, as reported, would not include star wide receiver Justin Jefferson - despite some early speculation. In fact, according to the report, the Vikings have no interest in moving Jefferson at all. That’s notable, because pairing Burrow with Jefferson - his former LSU teammate - would instantly give Minnesota one of the most dangerous QB-WR tandems in the league.
As for Jonathan Greenard, he’s coming off a strong season and would be a valuable addition to a Bengals defense that’s struggled to consistently generate pressure. But let’s not kid ourselves - this trade would be all about the quarterback.
One interesting wrinkle in all this: Greenard himself responded to the trade rumor online, calling out the speculation and warning fans not to assume things. It’s a reminder that, while trade talks make for great offseason drama, they can also stir up real emotions for the players involved.
Burrow is under contract through 2029 after signing a five-year, $275 million extension in September 2023. But the Bengals’ recent struggles - including three straight years without a playoff appearance - have raised questions about whether the franchise is doing enough to support its franchise quarterback.
Injuries have plagued Burrow in recent seasons, and much of that can be traced back to poor offensive line play. He missed seven games in 2023 and nine more in 2025 - a brutal stretch for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations when he's healthy.
If Cincinnati wants to keep Burrow happy - and in stripes - ownership and the front office need to step up. That means investing in the offensive line, improving the defense, and showing a clear commitment to winning. Because if the situation continues to deteriorate, it’s not out of the question that Burrow could eventually seek a fresh start.
For now, this is just a rumor. But it’s one worth watching.
When a team is willing to put multiple first-rounders, a young quarterback, and a rising defensive star on the table for one player, it speaks volumes. And when that player is Joe Burrow - a game-changer at the most important position in sports - you can bet the rest of the league is paying attention.