Could the Bengals Really Trade Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase? Here's What's Behind the Buzz
Every NFL offseason brings its fair share of wild rumors, but this one? It’s the kind of hypothetical that makes you stop mid-scroll.
The idea: the Cincinnati Bengals trading both Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in a blockbuster move to the NFC. Specifically, to the New Orleans Saints - a team with ties to both stars from their LSU days.
Now, let’s be clear: there’s no official indication from the Bengals that such a move is on the table. But the fact that this scenario is even being floated speaks volumes about the current state of things in Cincinnati - and the growing uncertainty around the franchise’s future with its two biggest stars.
Burrow’s Recent Comments: A Glimpse Into His Mindset
Joe Burrow raised eyebrows last week with a press conference that felt more personal than polished. He didn’t shy away from admitting he’s been going through a lot - both professionally and personally - and made it clear that if he’s going to keep playing football, it has to be fun again.
That’s not exactly the kind of thing you expect to hear from the face of a franchise. And while it’s not a trade demand or a retirement hint, it is a signal that something’s off.
Burrow, now 29, was also asked this week whether he could see himself playing for another team someday. His response?
“You think about a lot of things.”
That’s not a no.
The LSU Connection and the Saints Speculation
The rumor that caught fire came from Pittsburgh radio host Andrew Fillipponi, who floated the idea of Burrow and Chase being traded to the Saints - a team just a few hours down the road from LSU, where the duo lit up college football and won a national championship in 2019.
The pitch? New Orleans sends back a massive draft haul - potentially the biggest in NFL history - including multiple first- and second-round picks, and quarterback Behren Shough. The Bengals, in this scenario, hit the reset button while the Saints reunite two of the most electric playmakers in the league.
Is it likely? No.
Is it fun to think about? Absolutely.
What a Trade Like This Would Mean
Let’s talk about value for a second. If either Burrow or Chase were to be traded on their own, the return would be massive - likely multiple first-rounders and more.
But both in the same deal? That’s a five-pick minimum kind of move, and we’re talking premium picks - Day 1 and Day 2 selections.
Maybe even a few future firsts.
This would be the kind of package that reshapes a franchise - for better or worse.
But here’s the thing: if the Bengals are even entertaining the idea of moving these two, it means something has gone seriously wrong behind the scenes. Because you don’t trade away a franchise quarterback and his All-Pro wideout unless you’re forced into a corner - whether by contract issues, internal dysfunction, or both.
Cincinnati’s Urgency Problem
The Bengals have a window - and it’s not going to stay open forever. Burrow and Chase are both under contract, but keeping them happy and motivated requires more than just money.
It means putting a competitive team around them. It means showing them that the franchise is serious about winning.
Missing the playoffs last year was a gut punch, especially considering Burrow led the league in passing yards and touchdowns, and Chase pulled off the receiving triple crown. That kind of production should translate to postseason football. Instead, they watched January from the couch.
If this team underperforms again in 2026, the pressure is going to mount. And if the Bengals can’t convince Burrow and Chase that they’re building something sustainable, the idea of one - or both - asking out won’t seem so far-fetched anymore.
Final Thoughts
Right now, this is still just a rumor - a bold, headline-grabbing hypothetical. But it’s rooted in real concerns. Burrow’s recent comments, the team’s struggles, and the long-standing questions about Cincinnati’s ability to build a consistent winner all add fuel to the fire.
The Bengals have two generational talents. If they want to keep them, they’ll need to prove - and fast - that they’re committed to building a contender. Because if not, the idea of Burrow and Chase lighting it up in a different uniform might move from fantasy to reality quicker than anyone in Cincinnati would like.