It's NFL Draft Week and Joe Burrow Speculation Is Swirling

Six years ago, the Cincinnati Bengals selected LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Burrow, who had just led LSU to a national championship, was coming off a historic senior season. He won the Heisman Trophy, broke just about every LSU passing record and had a dominant, perfect season.

His time with the Bengals has been up and down, though. Burrow has been highly successful as an individual. However, in recent years, the Bengals have failed to contend. They made the Super Bowl in 2022, losing to the Rams, and haven't sniffed a championship since.

Trade speculation has been rampant for Burrow in recent years, too.

Heading into the start of NFL Draft Week, speculation is rampant for Burrow, as the 2026 season is seen as a critical one.

While Burrow won't be traded this offseason, change could be coming in 2027 and beyond if it's a disappointing year.

Adam Schefter sounds alarm on Burrow in Cincinnati

The Bengals just traded the No. 10 overall pick to New York for Dexter Lawrence. The Bengals know they need to be much better on defense.

But if the Bengals don't come through in a big way in 2026, it could be a very interesting offseason.

"This is considered to be a hugely significant season for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati. If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city. The Bengals had to give Burrow and the franchise the best chance to win now. Lawrence does that, more than any player they could have picked at No. 10," Schefter reported.

The clock is ticking, for sure.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 10:46 AM.