Franchise quarterbacks almost never become available, and when they do, it’s usually because something has already gone very wrong. The New York Jets, a franchise that has spent decades chasing competence at quarterback, have found that out the hard way.
While it seems unlikely that the Jets will land a perfect quarterback this year, they have the assets to do so.
That’s why the trade floated by Jason Burgos of Sportsnaut is at least worth taking a look at.
Burgos suggested that the Jets explore a blockbuster deal with the Cincinnati Bengals for Joe Burrow, headlined by the No. 2 and No. 16 picks in this year’s draft, plus a first, third, and fourth-round pick in 2027.:
“Last month, Cincinnati Bengals superstar Joe Burrow created wild speculation that he was growing tired of his time in Cincy. While the talk has calmed down since, he left the door open a crack. So, the NY Jets should still inquire and dangle the No. 2 pick.
“They should make the same offer they would for Garrett, sans the first-round swap. Is it a big risk? Sure, but it gets Gang Green the franchise QB they have long wanted, and he is only 29. For the Bengals, they get an elite prospect to replace the injury-prone Burrow for far cheaper and more valuable draft assets to improve the roster,” he wrote.
From the Jets’ perspective, I’d love it. I don't think Burrow will be available, but if the Jets have a true opportunity to land him, there's absolutely no way they can't go out and at least try to make a move.
Burrow is a proven top-tier quarterback when healthy. He’s taken a team to a Super Bowl, won in the playoffs, and shown he can elevate an offense without everything being perfect around him.
Sure, the injury history is real, but we all know that we’d feel a lot more confident with Burrow under center than anything else the Jets could do this summer.
It takes two teams to make a trade, so we have to question whether the Bengals would do it, but I like the idea, nonetheless.