Joe Burrow Demands Change Heading Into 2026 NFL Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 10:23 AM ET

Unfortunately, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals won't be in the playoffs for the third straight season in a row.

The Bengals started the season 2-0 but lost Burrow to a turf toe injury. He was sidelined for over two months before returning to action. Although he's been fairly productive since his return, that wasn't enough to catapult Cincinnati into the playoff picture.

With the 2026 offseason approaching, Burrow made it clear that changes have to be made in order for the Bengals to become a contender.

"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]."

Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks to make a pass during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.

Would the Bengals trade Joe Burrow?

According to CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones, the Bengals don't plan on moving Burrow despite his frustration.

“Burrow said two weeks ago he wasn’t having any fun playing football and was frustrated by everything,” Jones wrote. “Sources explained then he was venting because he’s not winning after making yet another injury comeback, but that he is not contemplating retirement or moving on from Cincinnati.”

An AFC executive told CBS Sports that it’d probably take a “Ricky Williams-type trade” for the Bengals to consider trading Burrow. In case you forgot, the New Orleans Saints traded all six of their picks in the 1999 NFL Draft as well as their first- and third-round selections in the 2000 NFL Draft just so they can select Williams.

If the Bengals receive a king's ransom, maybe they'll move Burrow. For now, NFL fans should expect to see him back in Cincinnati for the 2026 season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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