Cincinnati Bengals Struggle Without Joe Burrow as Trade Speculation Grows

Cincinnati, OH — The Cincinnati Bengals have lost their last two games, dropping to a disappointing 3-6 this season. Without star quarterback Joe Burrow, who is rehabbing a toe injury from Week 2, the team fell 39-38 to the New York Jets and 47-42 to the Chicago Bears.

Despite the tough losses, Bengals’ offense has performed well under veteran Joe Flacco, ranking among the league’s most productive units. However, the defense has become a major concern, currently holding the title of the worst in the NFL.

The defense has the highest missed tackle rate in the league, with players like Jordan Battle, Demetrius Knight Jr., and Geno Stone leading in missed tackles. As Cincinnati’s playoff hopes fade, the situation raises questions about Burrow’s future with the team.

Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes that Burrow might consider asking for a trade if the team continues to struggle. “If I were Joe Burrow, I would want out of Cincinnati,” Orlovsky stated, though acknowledging that the Bengals might not comply with such a request.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed this sentiment, suggesting that if Burrow demanded a trade, it could signal the end of the Bengals as they know it. “If that’s what he wants — and we have no idea what he wants — but if that’s what he wants, it’s over,” Schefter said.

Despite growing speculation, Burrow has not indicated a desire to leave Cincinnati. Last offseason, he played a key role in keeping top receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, limiting the team’s financial flexibility to improve its struggling defense.

Burrow is currently signed to a massive five-year, $275 million contract extension, ensuring he remains under team control for the foreseeable future. This gives the Bengals solid leverage should a trade request ever arise.