Report: Vikings Could Make Run At Joe Burrow Trade

by Chris Rosvoglou

Feb 4, 2026

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow looks on.

For the second time in the past 10 days, the Minnesota Vikings have found themselves linked to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

A little over a week ago, Grant Cohn of San Francisco 49ers on SI reported that Minnesota has interest in Burrow. He claims the Vikings are willing to offer multiple first-round picks and second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy in exchange for the former LSU star.

“They want to get right back into contention,” Cohn said. “They’re planning to offer J.J. McCarthy and Jonathan Greenard, and two first‑round 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.”

Alec Lewis of The Athletic was asked this week about Minnesota's quarterback situation heading into the offseason. Although he can't confirm if Burrow will be available, he expects the Vikings to do everything in their power to make a run at the Pro Bowler.

"If a player like Joe Burrow is available via trade, I expect the Vikings to do everything they possibly can to make that happen," Lewis said, via Newsweek. "It's more a question of what is available, and how far from a cost perspective is it gonna take."

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks for hands to shake after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The Browns kicked a last second field goal to win 20-18.
© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images&period;

Will Burrow be available?

Before the Bengals wrapped up their 2025 regular season, Burrow said changes have to be made in order for the franchise to return to the playoffs. Some fans thought it was his way of soft-launching a trade request.

“We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change,” Burrow told reporters, via ESPN. “Whether it’s players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change].”

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, however, claims the Bengals have no interest in moving Burrow. If they were to entertain trade offers, they'd need to receive a "Ricky Williams-type" trade package in return.

Barring a sudden change of heart, NFL fans should expect Burrow to remain in Cincinnati for the 2026 season.