The Vikings’ Most Compelling Trade Offer to Land an Elite QB

If, in the end, the new leadership group wants to go for it all, then landing an elite QB via trade could be the path forward (as difficult as that is to pull off). The Vikings’ most compelling offer may not get the job done, but it’s nevertheless something that’s worth exploring.

During the most recent regular season, Joe Burrow was in the headlines due to his public reflections on not enjoying football (who would over in Cincinnati?). Past iterations of quarterback speculation have involved Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray, and Lamar Jackson. Of that trio, only Jackson is elite and only Murray appears to be available. If, however, Burrow did become available, how formidable would the Vikings’ offer be?

The Vikings’ Most Compelling Trade Offer for Joe Burrow

Journeying into speculative rumors becomes easier when at least a portion of the discussion remains rooted in reality. As a result, consider an actual NFL trade for a franchise quarterback. Matthew Stafford is a nice comparable.

Check it out:

Okay, some details to pry away from the chart. Landing Mr. Stafford — a high-end passer who was 32 at the time of the trade — cost a starting level passer, a pair of 1st-Round selections, and a 3rd. Not cheap, but a deal the Rams would do again without any hesitance. Worth noting, too, that the Lions didn’t do too poorly, either.

Looking at the Stafford deals clarifies that the Vikings would need to begin any conversation with the Bengals with a pair of 1st-Round selections. The No. 18 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft alongside the top pick for 2027 (wherever it happens to land). Beginning to talk without that being the starting point means the phone line goes dead very quickly.

There would then need to be considerably more added into the mix.

Presumably, J.J. McCarthy would be part of the offer. The Bengals could therefore look to build around a young passer alongside whatever draft picks get added to the haul. So, the tally would be sitting at Mr. McCarthy — the No. 10 selection from 2024 who does have a ton of ability — alongside a pair of 1sts.

There would then need to be more added. Think something within the range of some Day 2 selections — 2nd and/or 3rd Round — or possibly even another 1st. Star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is soon to leave Cincinnati behind. Would the Bengals desire Dallas Turner to build around at edge rusher?

If Cincinnati demanded two 1st-Round selections, a 2nd, J.J. McCarthy, and Dallas Turner, the Vikings should agree to the trade to bring Joe Burrow to the Twin Cities.

Why would the Bengals make the move? Consider some reasons:

• Joe Burrow has publicly opened the door to that possibility with his comments.
• The past trio of seasons have involved finishing 9-8, 9-8, and 6-11. All three years involved missing the playoffs, suggesting the current plan isn’t working particularly well.
• On a personal level, Burrow may welcome the move due to playing with Justin Jefferson and for ownership that isn’t stingy.
• Building up a deep collection of young players and draft assets could actually be wise.
• Offloading Burrow’s contract would save money and cap space long term.

Oh, and another thing. A pair of high-profile quarterbacks who have been traded recently — Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson — involved the acquiring team — Cleveland and Denver — almost instantly regretting the swap.

Admittedly, Joe Burrow is better than both of those players, but the idea can nevertheless be made that sending over a ton for a quarterback isn’t guaranteed to succeed. The Texans and Seahawks are pleased to have moved on from their former top passers. Goodness, Seattle is back in the Super Bowl and Houston is a great team.

In December, Joe Burrow will turn 30. He has suffered some bad injuries since turning pro in 2020. He has also established himself as being among the game’s top-five passers. Working under the tutelage of Kevin O’Connell would mean shredding the NFL.

Back in 2023, Burrow put pen to paper on a five-year extension that tips the scales at $275 million. Any trade would likely need to involve massaging the money no matter the acquiring team. As a result, Burrow’s desire to get traded to a specific location — such as Minnesota — would be vital since he would need to agree to a new deal, lowering his cap charge in the immediate.

In 2025, Joe Burrow had to work through an injury that kept him out for a good portion of the season. He went 5-3 in his starts, completing 66.8% of his passes for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

Burrow and Jefferson won a National Championship while playing college ball at LSU.