Bengals' Orlando Brown Denies Joe Burrow Trade Rumors

Offensive lineman says Burrow loves being a Bengal and wants to win in Cincinnati.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:08am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game in progress, with the players' forms broken down into angular, overlapping shapes in a cubist style, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the ongoing tensions between the Bengals' high-powered offense and their struggling defense, as the team fights to return to the playoffs.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Orlando Brown has dismissed rumors that quarterback Joe Burrow is looking to be traded from the team. Brown, who was a guest on the Up & Adams Show, said Burrow loves playing for the Bengals and is focused on winning in Cincinnati. Burrow has only played a full season once in the last three years due to injury, and the Bengals have missed the playoffs since 2022 despite having a strong offense, with the defense letting the team down.

Why it matters

Burrow is one of the NFL's top young quarterbacks, and the Bengals' success is heavily dependent on him. Any suggestion that he could be looking to leave the team would be a major concern for Bengals fans and the organization. Brown's comments help quell those rumors and indicate Burrow remains committed to the team.

The details

In the interview, Brown said 'At the end of the day, Joe gives his all for the city and he loves being a Bengal. He loves what he's doing for a living. Like I said, it all comes down to winning. We get in the playoffs, and we start putting ourselves in position to play in February, I think a lot of that kind of stuff will die down naturally.' Brown's comments suggest Burrow's frustration has been more about the team's lack of playoff success rather than any desire to leave Cincinnati.

  • The Bengals last made the playoffs in 2022.
  • Burrow has only played a full season once in the last three years.

The players

Joe Burrow

The star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, who has emerged as one of the NFL's top young passers despite missing time due to injury.

Orlando Brown

An offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals who defended his teammate Burrow against trade rumors.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day, Joe gives his all for the city and he loves being a Bengal. He loves what he's doing for a living. Like I said, it all comes down to winning. We get in the playoffs, and we start putting ourselves in position to play in February, I think a lot of that kind of stuff will die down naturally.”

— Orlando Brown, Offensive Lineman, Cincinnati Bengals

What’s next

The Bengals will need to address their defensive issues in the offseason to give Burrow and the offense a better chance at making the playoffs and contending for a Super Bowl.

The takeaway

Despite some frustration over the team's lack of playoff success, Burrow remains committed to the Bengals and is focused on winning in Cincinnati. The team's ability to build a more complete roster around their star quarterback will be crucial to keeping him happy and the franchise on an upward trajectory.