According to a report from NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow are in for a critical 2026. If 2026 is another disappointing season for the star quarterback, it could lead to questions about his future in Cincinnati. Here are three NFL teams that will have an eye on Burrow in 2026.
Three NFL Teams That will have an eye on Joe Burrow and the Bengals in 2026
The past three seasons for Burrow and the Bengals have been frustrating for the star quarterback, to say the least. Cincinnati has not made the postseason in the last three seasons, and Burrow has suffered a series of injuries during that span. Last season, Burrow was frustrated after suffering a major foot injury and another down season, which left him publicly questioning his future in Cincinnati. Burrow will be in demand if he asks out of Cincinnati and these three teams.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ front office has never been shy in finding ways to upgrade their team. Philly drafted Carson Wentz in the first round and eventually moved off of him by drafting Jalen Hurts. Hurts has been under a lot of scrutiny this offseason, with reports that Eagles coaches and players alike have been frustrated by the lack of offensive success with Hurts. The offense in Philly was stagnant and among the league’s worst in the 2025 season because of things needing to be run a certain way with Hurts.
After the 2026 season, Hurts has no guaranteed money in his contract, and the Eagles could look to swing big for Burrow next offseason if Hurts continues to struggle. Burrow would certainly be interested in joining an Eagles organization that is always forward-thinking and always finding ways to be in contention for a Super Bowl.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings could be in business for a new quarterback depending on how the 2026 season goes. The early returns on J.J. McCarthy have not been great, which prompted the Vikings to take a flyer on former number one pick Kyler Murray. Murray has had consistency issues of his own the past couple of seasons, so if things don’t work out for Murray and the Vikings, they could just look to pursue Burrow if he indeed becomes available after this season.
Kevin O’Connell is considered a quarterback guru in the NFL for his work with various quarterbacks, most notably Sam Darnold. O’Connell will definitely have a high interest in Burrow if things don’t work out with the Murray and McCarthy quarterback room this season.
1. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams need a successor for Matthew Stafford, who is nearing the end of his career, and Burrow could be that answer. Burrow and the Rams faced off in Super Bowl LVI, where Burrow and the Bengals nearly edged out the Rams.
The Rams, who are known for their “F Them Picks” mantra, have never feared swinging a big trade. LA ended up with Stafford by trading big to go get him. Sean McVay is one of the best coaches and is the architect behind one of the best offenses in the NFL. The Rams will keep tabs on Burrow because they know Stafford’s time could be done as soon as this season, and it’s likely Burrow has the Rams high on his list if he asks out of Cincinnati.
