THE TAKE
“22-26 teams should call Cincinnati and say our quarterback plus two first round picks for Joe Burrow”
@colincowherd…
BOLDNESS
78/100
GRADE
12/100
PLAYERS / TEAMS
Joe Burrow
GRADING CRITERIA
TRUE IF
at least one credible trade offer involving a starting quarterback and two first-round picks is reported to have been made to the Bengals for Burrow, OR if Burrow is traded in a deal of comparable or greater value. It would be
FALSE IF
no such offers materialize and Burrow remains in Cincinnati without significant reported trade interest at that price range.
bold callhot takevagueunfalsifiable
OUTCOME
CONFIRMED FALSENo actual trade offer involving a starting quarterback plus two first-round picks was formally made to the Bengals. While media speculation and fan-driven rumors circulated (including a reported Vikings interest in offering J.J. McCarthy and two first-rounders per Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn), the Bengals never entertained a trade and clearly stated they had no intention of moving Burrow. By June 2026, Burrow remains in Cincinnati, has publicly stated 'we have everything we need,' and the Bengals aggressively rebuilt their defense around him instead.