The Minnesota Vikings seem to know they need a new quarterback to at the very least compete with J.J. McCarthy for the 2026 NFL season.

But it was still quite a bit surprising when rumors emerged that a trade for Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals might be a possibility.

Turns out, nothing to worry about there.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini cleared that up in a new article on Saturday.

“Despite the hopes and dreams of Minnesota Vikings fans, the Cincinnati Bengals have no intention of trading Joe Burrow — to Minnesota or anywhere else,” Russini writes.

 

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The insider does add that the Vikings want someone, even if it isn’t Burrow.

“Minnesota may not be able to land Burrow, but the Vikings will be looking to bring on a veteran quarterback after a disappointing 2025 season at the position,” Russini writes.

McCarthy was in his second season in the NFL in 2025, but it was his first playing in the regular season. He missed his entire rookie season after hurting his knee in the preseason, and that allowed Sam Darnold to shine.

But when Darnold headed to the Seattle Seahawks (who are now in the Super Bowl), McCarthy got the starting job.

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He struggled with more injuries, and with inaccuracy while on the field. Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer also made starts for Minnesota.

It just wasn’t a good QB season for the Vikings.

They’ve got a talented all-around roster, and if they can get better play out of the quarterback position, there’s a lot that can be achieved. So they’ll be trying to make those improvements any way they can, even if it has nothing to do with Burrow.

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