Bengals' Orlando Brown Jr. Shuts Down Joe Burrow Trade Rumors

Star left tackle says Burrow 'loves being a Bengal' despite team's recent struggles

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:39am

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in shades of orange, black, and white, depicting a Bengals football game in an abstract, deconstructed manner.A cubist interpretation of the Bengals' recent struggles, with quarterback Joe Burrow at the center of the fractured action.Cleveland Today

Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. has dismissed rumors that quarterback Joe Burrow wants to leave the team, saying that 'winning cures all' and that Burrow 'gives his all for the city and he loves being a Bengal.' Brown noted that the team's three-year playoff drought is the real reason behind the trade speculation, not any internal friction between Burrow and the organization.

Why it matters

The Bengals have struggled in recent seasons, missing the playoffs for the past three years. Speculation about Burrow's future with the team has swirled, but Brown's comments suggest the star QB remains committed to Cincinnati despite the team's lack of success on the field.

The details

During an appearance on the Up & Adams Show, Brown addressed the trade rumors surrounding Burrow, saying that 'of course that kind of buzz is going to come' due to the team's poor record, but that 'I don't think it's real.' Brown noted that in the 2025 season finale against the Cleveland Browns, Burrow 'fought until the final whistle,' completing 29-of-39 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns in a narrow 20-18 loss. Despite missing significant time in 2025 due to injury, Burrow finished the season with 1,809 passing yards and a 17-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

  • In the 2025 season finale against the Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2025, Burrow had a strong performance despite the loss.
  • Burrow missed significant time during the 2025 season due to injury.

The players

Orlando Brown Jr.

The Cincinnati Bengals' star left tackle who recently handled his own contract extension without an agent.

Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals' starting quarterback who has been the subject of trade rumors despite the team's struggles.

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What they’re saying

“I think at the end of the day no matter where you are, winning cures all.”

— Orlando Brown Jr., Bengals left tackle

“Joe gives his all for the city and he loves being a Bengal.”

— Orlando Brown Jr., Bengals left tackle

What’s next

If the Bengals can find their way back to the postseason in 2026, the trade rumors surrounding Burrow will likely vanish as quickly as they appeared.

The takeaway

Brown's comments suggest that Burrow remains committed to the Bengals despite the team's recent struggles, and that the trade speculation is more a byproduct of the team's poor record than any internal discord. The focus now is on the Bengals returning to the playoffs, which could put an end to the Burrow trade rumors.