Joe Burrow in a different jersey? That’s the wild scenario Colin Cowherd just threw into the NFL rumor mill. The Bengals’ franchise QB’s been the face of Cincinnati, but Cowherd hinted that Burrow might not stay forever, especially if the team doesn’t step up.
Cincy locked him into a record-breaking contract, but big money doesn’t always mean lifetime loyalty. If the Bengals fail to build a consistent Super Bowl contender, could Burrow eventually want out?
It’s all speculation — for now. But when a top QB’s name gets linked to trade talk, you know the NFL world starts paying attention.
Is Joe Burrow Eyeing an Exit from the Bengals?
Cowherd just dropped a bombshell: he thinks Burrow will demand a trade from the Bengals at some point. The national talk show host believes Cincy’s franchise QB is “trapped” in a flawed front office structure that could hold him back from consistent success.
Cowherd pointed out that 40% of the NFL makes the playoffs — yet the Bengals, with an elite quarterback, a top pass rusher, and a dominant receiver, missed out again (9-8 record, second straight year). That’s not a winning formula, and it’s why he believes Burrow could eventually want out.
"I absolutely think at some point, he'll demand to be traded. I really believe that." Colin Cowherd on Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals pic.twitter.com/ttFYLGYgyP
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 13, 2025
The analyst said, “So, Joe Burrow, to some degree, is trapped. Think about this. I’ll say this. I think, I absolutely think at some point he’ll demand to be traded. It’s very hard to miss the playoffs when you have a great quarterback. One team that happened this year, Cincinnati, it’s virtually impossible. 40% of the league goes to the playoffs.
If you have a great quarterback you’re going to the playoffs. So the Bengals had the quarterback that led the NFL and touchdowns, passing touchdowns and passing yards. They had the pass rusher that led the NFL and sacks. They had the receiver that led and catches yards and touchdowns, and they missed the playoffs.”
Burrow has already put public pressure on the front office, making it clear he expects long-term deals for Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson. NFL execs have noticed, and so has Cowherd.
He compared the Bengals’ thin scouting department (four scouts) to Philly’s 21-man scouting team, questioning the Bengals’ ability to build a true contender.
History isn’t on Cincy’s side either. Former Bengals QB Carson Palmer demanded a trade in 2010 after losing faith in ownership. Burrow’s situation isn’t identical, but if the Bengals don’t spend big and reload, could he follow a similar path?
For now, Burrow is locked in through 2029, but contracts don’t mean everything in the NFL. If the Bengals don’t step up, the face of their franchise might start looking for an exit.