Analyst Believes Joe Burrow Could Make Surprising Move
The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads after consecutive playoff misses despite having one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks.
Joe Burrow has delivered exceptional individual performances, but team success has remained elusive since their memorable Super Bowl run three seasons ago.
The frustrating pattern has sparked speculation about potential friction between the franchise quarterback and the organization’s direction.
Analyst John Middlekauff recently floated a scenario that would send shockwaves through the NFL during a recent episode of 3 & Out.
“Is he going to ask for a trade after the season? He could go. ‘It’s time for me to leave. Send me to a real organization,’” Middlekauff said.
“He could go, ‘it’s time for me to leave, send me to a real organization.’”@JohnMiddlekauff questions if Joe Burrow could eventually force his way out of Cincinnati if things go south again. pic.twitter.com/KP6sLdqgx6
— 3&OUT with John Middlekauff (@3andout_pod) August 24, 2025
He compared the situation to Carson Palmer’s standoff with Mike Brown years ago, when Palmer demanded a trade, only for the owner to refuse, pushing Palmer toward retirement.
Middlekauff expressed doubt that Brown would willingly part with his current franchise quarterback, especially considering his track record of stubbornness in similar situations.
Burrow’s statistical dominance last season makes any trade talk seem premature.
He led the league with 4,918 passing yards while throwing 43 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. His completion percentage reached 70.6% with an average of 289.3 yards per game.
The quarterback also added 201 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Yet the Bengals still finished 9-8 and watched the playoffs from home.
Cincinnati’s defensive struggles continue to undermine Burrow’s elite play.
Those same issues that derailed last season remain unresolved heading into the current campaign, potentially setting up another year of individual brilliance overshadowed by team disappointment.
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