The NFL offseason barely settled before Minnesota’s quarterback questions resurfaced.
The verified fact is this: a trade rumor involving the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow began circulating on January 22 and was quickly denied by voices inside the Bengals organization.
Related:
- Super Bowl 2026: Date, time, location, and everything to know
- Where to watch the Super Bowl 2026? TV channel and streaming
- Super Bowl Halftime Show 2026: Everything about Bad Bunny’s performance
- How much do tickets for the Super Bowl cost in 2026?
- Super Bowl Winners List: All teams that have won the Vince Lombardi
The discussion originated when Grant Cohn of On SI addressed Minnesota’s quarterback outlook in a video posted on X on January 22. While dismissing unrelated rumors involving the San Francisco 49ers, Cohn suggested the Vikings could be preparing a significant trade proposal for Burrow.
According to Cohn, the hypothetical offer would include J.J. McCarthy, edge defender Jonathan Greenard, and two first-round draft picks. The rationale was clear: Minnesota wants to return to contention immediately rather than wait through another developmental season at quarterback. Cohn added that if Cincinnati declined, the Vikings could pivot toward bringing back Kirk Cousins.
“They’re planning to offer J.J. McCarthy and Jonathan Greenard, and two firstround picks to the Cincinnati Bengals for Joe Burrow. If the Bengals say no, then they might go out and get Kirk Cousins, bring him back…
The idea spread quickly because it aligned with Minnesota’s unresolved quarterback situation and Burrow’s reputation as a franchise-defining player.
Cincinnati responds quickly
The Bengals moved to shut down the narrative within days. Running back Chase Brown told CBS Sports on January 27 that Burrow is not going anywhere, calling the speculation exaggerated. Wide receiver Tee Higgins reinforced that stance, keeping his response brief but direct.
Bengals beat reporter James Rapien added his own blunt assessment, signaling there was no internal discussion about moving Burrow. Around the league, analysts echoed that view. Burrow remains under contract, is the centerpiece of Cincinnati’s offense, and gives the franchise little incentive to entertain trade talks, according to coverage from outlets such as ESPN and NFL Network.
Why Minnesota keeps getting linked to major QB moves
Even with the firm denials, the rumor highlights a real issue for the Vikings. The roster appears competitive, but quarterback stability remains unresolved.
In his first season as a starter, J.J. McCarthy posted a 72.6 passer rating, threw for 1,632 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across 10 games, according to StatMuse. The numbers reflected inexperience rather than collapse, but they also showed why Minnesota may be reluctant to rely solely on development.
“Joe’s not going anywhere… I think that was totally blown out of proportion. It was definitely a good talking point for people. … It gave the media a lot to talk about and probably made [Burrow’s] Twitter notifications go off, but Joe’s not going anywhere…
Former Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph addressed the situation on the Up & Adams show, saying the team should bring in a veteran quarterback to compete with McCarthy rather than handing him full control of a roster built to win now. His comments mirrored strategies used by teams aiming to balance growth with immediate expectations.
That perspective helps explain why Minnesota continues to be linked to aggressive quarterback scenarios, even when they appear unlikely.
Where things stand now
As of late January, there is no indication the Bengals are open to moving Joe Burrow, and league consensus supports that position. For Minnesota, attention now shifts toward more realistic offseason options, including adding veteran competition and refining McCarthy’s development path.
The Vikings remain determined to stabilize the most important position in football. Whether that means revisiting a familiar option, adding a new veteran presence, or committing to patience will define how their offseason ultimately unfolds.
“I’m more likely to play for the Vikings in 2026 than Joe Burrow…
This article is based on reporting and statements from On SI, CBS Sports, StatMuse, and commentary from the Up & Adams show between January 20 and January 27. No official trade discussions between the Vikings and Bengals have been confirmed.
Read the full article here
