Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has reached a critical juncture in his career, with sources revealing a state of profound frustration following a disastrous 2025 NFL season that has left the franchise in turmoil.
A Season of Turmoil and Cryptic Comments
The 29-year-old signal caller, once the beacon of hope for the Bengals, has openly admitted he is no longer 'having fun' on the field. In a cryptic press conference earlier this month, Burrow posed a worrying question about his future. "If I want to keep doing this, then what am I trying to do with myself?" he told reporters. "And I have to have fun doing it. You know, if it's not fun, then what am I doing it for?"
The 2025 campaign has been a nightmare for the former No. 1 overall pick. His efforts were consistently undermined by a struggling offensive line and, most significantly, his own injury problems. Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2, which limited him to just six games for the season. In those appearances, he amassed 1,268 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
The 'Volcano' Waiting to Erupt
A source close to Burrow has told the Daily Mail that the quarterback is 'waiting to erupt' with frustration. "Joe wants to go, and he is acting and reacting in every way to show his displeasure," the source revealed. While he has not yet demanded a trade, the source indicated that if the Bengals fail to make significant moves in the offseason, he will absolutely ask for a trade.
"It is a volcano just waiting to erupt," the source added, naming the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers as the top teams currently interested in a potential blockbuster move for Burrow this offseason.
Bengals' Stance and Contractual Labyrinth
Despite the growing tension, the Bengals hierarchy remains publicly adamant that their franchise quarterback is not for sale. However, the source revealed a staggering price tag for any deal: 'the biggest amount of draft picks that have ever been seen in the history of the NFL.'
Any trade would be a logistical nightmare due to Burrow's colossal contract. He is currently playing under a five-year, $275 million extension signed in 2023, which keeps him tied to Cincinnati until 2030. The deal included $219 million in total guarantees. Crucially, it also contains a full no-trade clause through 2029, giving Burrow complete control over any potential departure.
The organisation is reportedly concerned that Burrow's frustration could lead him to retire early, akin to Andrew Luck. This fear is compounded by Burrow's brutal injury history, which includes a torn ACL and MCL in his rookie year and major wrist surgery in 2023.
Further complicating the Bengals' financial picture are the recent massive contract extensions given to star receivers Ja'Marr Chase (four years, $161 million) and Tee Higgins (four years, $115 million). With three consecutive seasons ending without a playoff berth, the pressure in Cincinnati is reaching a boiling point, and the future of their franchise quarterback hangs in the balance.
