© Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
GLENDALE – BetMGM not only believes Joe Burrow will depart the Bengals but also lists the Arizona Cardinals as the second-most likely landing spot for the star quarterback. Sportsbooks don’t forecast blockbuster moves; they measure organizational momentum, structural upside, and long-term optionality. Arizona landing near the top of that list says something bigger about how the outside oddsmakers view the trajectory of the Cardinals.
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Oct 8, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Is Joe Burrow on his way out of Cincinnati? pic.twitter.com/bxV0Aia0Rz
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 11, 2025
Joe Burrow recently came out and said that he has been frustrated with the way things have been going in Cincinnati and even mentioned, “If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?” (Credit: Charlie Clifford | NBC 5 Cincinnati) This raised red flags, and alarms rang out loud after Burrow’s comments, and NFL fans around the league immediately started speculating if he would request a trade.
Joe Burrow today on his new mindset following the third serious injury of his career. Prioritizing having fun, despite the challenges of 2025.
“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing this. I have been through a lot. If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?… pic.twitter.com/nc5mTxno7K
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) December 10, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) high-fives fans after their 34-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 8, 2023. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Could the Cardinals pull off a trade for Joe Burrow?
With the QB situation as unclear as ever, Arizona capitalizing on getting a top-tier player like Burrow could be one of the best-case scenarios. Kyler Murray still has $36.8 million guaranteed for 2026, and the trade rumors surrounding him are just as loud. Burrow’s $275 million five-year deal now has base salaries and option bonuses guaranteed for injury from 2026-2029. Assuming the Cardinals move on from Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett, they can either find a QB through the draft or try to make a trade for a proven veteran QB to make their team contend sooner rather than later, although it could come at a price.
Oct 8, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The reaction is emotional as Cardinals fans haven’t been included in many national conversations about roster desirability. It seems like even throughout all the frustration and misexecution from this season, Arizona still has a reputation as a team with talented players. When a team becomes a theoretical landing spot for a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, it means the infrastructure is being taken seriously.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
