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The Vikings’ Most Compelling Trade Offer for QB1 Joe Burrow

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Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell in Dallas in Week 15 of 2025
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

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.

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Check it out:

The LA Rams Receive The Detroit Lions Receive
QB Matthew Stafford QB Jared Goff
3rd-Round Pick in 2021
1st-Round Pick in 2022
1st-Round Pick in 2023

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.

NFL: Super Bowl LVI-Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals
Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

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.

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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.

Joe Burrow warming up on the field at Paycor Stadium.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow goes through his pregame routine, loosening up and throwing on the field as teammates filter out for warmups. The image was taken Dec 14, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, where anticipation built ahead of a divisional matchup with Baltimore under late-season stakes. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images.

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.

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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.

Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) calls signals during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

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.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Deontay Wilder storms out of interview over Tyson Fury questions: ‘I’m not gonna talk about him!’

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Deontay Wilder stormed out of an interview on Wednesday after taking issue with a line of questioning about Tyson Fury, one of his biggest rivals, ahead of a press conference with upcoming opponent Derek Chisora.

On 4 April, Wilder will box Chisora in a heavyweight main event at London’s O2 Arena, in what is expected to be Chisora’s final fight as a professional.

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At 42, Britain’s Chisora is a seasoned veteran, while former world champion Wilder is similarly experienced at 40. But while Chisora has been enjoying a resurgence recently, winning his last three bouts, Wilder is in must-win territory after going 2-4 in his last six contests.

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The American, seen as arguably the most-devastating puncher of his generation, was on a frightening run of unanswered victories until 2018, when he secured a controversial draw with Fury. In 2020, Fury stopped Wilder to take the WBC title from the “Bronze Bomber”, before replicating that result in a third clash in 2021. Since then, Wilder has stopped Robert Helenius and Tyrrell Anthony Herndon but lost to Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker.

But his past with Fury cropped up again this week, when Wilder accused the Briton of having cheated during their rivalry. This was put to Wilder before Wednesday’s press conference with Chisora, as the American was questioned by TalkSport host Simon Jordan.

“I don’t want to talk about him,” Wilder told Jordan, who replied. “No, you’re going to.”

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“We’re here about Derek Chisora,” Wilder pushed back. “We’re not gonna talk about him [Fury] at all. I’m not gonna talk about him at all. Understand that.”

“No, fair enough,” Jordan said, in a bid to cool an intensifying atmosphere, with Wilder responding: “Alright then, so let’s move on. It’s all about Derek Chisora, that’s it. I’m back, baby! You all understand that? 4 April, it’s going down at the O2, you better be there or you’ll be a square.”

Deontay Wilder (right) takes on Britain's Derek Chisora on April 4th (Getty Images)

Deontay Wilder (right) takes on Britain’s Derek Chisora on April 4th (Getty Images)

“I understand that, I understand that,” said Jordan. “Fabulous. The only reason I mentioned it is because it’s part of the shtick that goes with you, and I missed you the first time around, when you came in here three years ago – when you were in your pomp four years ago, doing ‘Bomb Squad!’ and all that sort of stuff.

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“And I have always wanted to have a conversation with you, because you’ve made observations about Fury. I have my views on Fury, and you’ve called him a cheat.”

“The biggest in boxing!” Wilder exclaimed, before making accusations against Fury, who is due to emerge from his fifth retirement when he boxes Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April. Fury has always denied any accusations against him.

“But it leads me to a conclusion,” Jordan followed up. “I want to put something to you about you, and Fury just happens to be the hook for it. You talked about being cheated in that fight, you talked about water being spiked.”

“Facts,” said Wilder, before Jordan added: “You talked about your [ring walk] outfit being too heavy for you.”

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Deontay Wilder accused Tyson Fury of cheating during their trilogy fights between 2018-2021 (Getty Images)

Deontay Wilder accused Tyson Fury of cheating during their trilogy fights between 2018-2021 (Getty Images)

“I didn’t say that,” Wilder claimed. Jordan went on: “You talked about a long count [by the referee in the first fight with Fury].”

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After Wilder said “facts” once more, Jordan continued: “It sounds to me, given the character you are, that’s a little bit flaky. You lost those fights, and those fights were lost, and you saying someone like Fury cheated you in those fights is kind of disappointing to me.”

“Because I know the truth!” shouted Wilder. “I have the facts. Understand that […] Because when the documentary and everything starts to come out, I’m gonna show everything.” Earlier in the week, Wilder had similarly referenced a documentary he is apparently working on.

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“I’m not a Fury fan,” Jordan said, as Wilder stood up from his chair and walked towards the host, with security holding back the boxer.

“I don’t give a f*** about that!” Wilder shouted. “I don’t give a f*** about it! I said we didn’t want to bring him up in the first place. It ain’t got s*** to do with him!”

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Wilder’s last fight was his stoppage of Herndon in the seventh round in June, while Chisora’s was his decision win over Otto Wallin in February 2025.

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Chisora vs Wilder will mark each man’s 50th fight as a professional.

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3 mistakes Tony Khan must avoid on this week’s AEW Dynamite

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Tony Khan will present tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite from Las Vegas this week. The show will take place at the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort, and fans have high expectations for it. AEW has announced a stacked lineup of stars for the show, including some big-time matches featuring top AEW names.

As of now, Tony Khan has announced four big showdowns for the event. Hangman Page will take on Mark Davis in a singles clash. Apart from that, Andrade and Kenny Omega will also square off in a big matchup. Moreover, MJF will take on Brody King in an AEW World Title Eliminator Match. Additionally, Jack Perry and Ricochet will also clash over the AEW National Title. There are several other top stars like Kris Statlander and Jon Moxley expected to appear on the show.

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In this article, let’s take a look at 3 mistakes Tony Khan must avoid on this week’s AEW Dynamite:

#3. A clear decision for the Andrade and Kenny Omega match

Andrade will face Kenny Omega tonight on AEW Dynamite. It is a much-anticipated showdown between the two stars following El Idolo’s attack on The Cleaner on Dynamite’s 6th Anniversary last year. However, both stars are brimming with momentum as of late in the Jacksonville-based promotion. Besides, Andrade and Omega are top contenders for the AEW World Championship.

Therefore, Tony Khan can create a solid storyline involving the two stars down the line. However, a defeat to any one of them could destroy their momentum. Hence, instead of giving this match a clear closure, there should be a screwed ending for this showdown. It would help Khan to keep this feud open without affecting anyone’s credibility and momentum in the company.

#2. No follow-up on Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford’s title quest

Last week, on AEW Dynamite, Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford came down the aisle to give a staredown to the AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander and the AEW World Women’s Tag Team Champions Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron. That moment alone shone a massive spotlight on Bayne and Ford, sparking interest from a lot of fans in their work down the line.

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However, if Tony Khan did not give any follow-up to that intense staredown, it would make last week’s segment meaningless. Instead, the AEW President should book Bayne and Ford in some sort of confrontation with The Babes of Wrath and Kris Statlander. Besides, fans have been clamoring to see Megan chase the AEW Women’s World Title. Therefore, it sets up a golden opportunity for AEW to build Megan Bayne to the top.

#1. Another loss to Jack Perry on AEW Dynamite

Jack Perry will challenge the champion Ricochet for the AEW National Championship tonight on AEW Dynamite. It is a rematch between the two stars after their last title match on 31 December 2025, AEW Dynamite. Perry made his return to AEW last year following a prolonged hiatus. However, he has not achieved anything big since then in the company.

He has already faced a defeat against Ricochet on Dynamite, and another loss could heavily impact his credibility. Therefore, Tony Khan should crown Perry a new National Champion tonight. The Lightskin Kingpin has already managed to have a decent run with the title. The Scapegoat has the potential to heavily elevate the prestige of the championship down the line.