"Joe Burrow: Cry Of The Tiger"

The 2025 NFL season is two week in and we're watching teams figure 
out their identity. For Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, he 
won't be apart of the season. In a whirlwind of events, Burrow injured 
his toe this past Sunday in which he needed help getting to the locker 
room. As fans sat and waited for his return, it was reported a turf toe 
injury which requires surgery.

Burrow is one of the top five quarterbacks in pro football; accurate, 
poised and keeps clawing his team to a victory. Two weeks in and will 
be out roughly three months. If my math is correct, a potential return 
early December; depending where Cincinnati is in the playoff race. 
Another season feels over, but in modern sports science and recovery 
time, Burrow will need to be patient.

If you've watched NFL over a period of time, we've seen this movie 
before. Remember former 2012 first round pick Andrew Luck, who 
Indianapolis drafted to replace future hall of fame quarterback Peyton 
Manning. This feels like a repeat of the same story; a talented 
quarterback signed with the worst franchise in football. Burrow turned 
this franchise into a contender and they haven't been able to reach the 
AFC title game since 2022.

Injuries to Burrow hampered Cincinnati's slow starts and having to go 
beyond measures to stay afloat. He's got the best wide receiver duo; 
but no offensive line. A below average defense, but gives up a lot of 
points. Ownership and front office executives are wasting a great player 
and this could be the last straw. This may sound harsh but I'm going to 
be straightforward in saying.

After this season, Burrow should request a trade out of Cincinnati. Yes, I 
said it and here's why.

Burrow needs to leave and play for a franchise who knows how to draft 
and coach both sides of the football. Great teams have an offensive line 
to protect their franchise quarterback. Having the best amenities 
available for recovery and medical staff to ensure nothing goes awol in 
diagnosis. Top ten defense who'll go out and stop the opposition; 
everything falling into place to compete for Super Bowls. 

Burrow has a team friendly extension which is doable with a little 
restructuring. It's not over the moon expensive and can help the 
acquiring team sending back draft compensation. The injuries will go 
away upon landing in the right situation. Cincinnati doesn't care and it's 
sad the offensive line can't protect their franchise quarterback. 

In year six, it feels Burrow has missed more games than played upon 
arriving in 2020. Taking a team who won two games in 2019 and a trip 
top the Super Bowl in his second season. That feels like moon ages ago 
as the Bengals were one play away from upsetting the Los Angeles 
Rams in their own stadium. IF Burrow were to request a trade for the 
sake of his prime years, here's a few teams I'd like to see make a move: 

Los Angeles Rams:
A team who'll likely be quarterback needy in 2026, Los Angeles makes
perfect sense. With the potential retirement of Matthew Stafford, Burrow
would inherit a team stacked with talent. Great offensive line, skilled
position players, defense and Sean McVay calling plays. It would be
lethal and revive Burrow's career beyond his wildest imagination. In an
NFC with Jared Goff, Jordan Love, Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts and Baker
Mayfield, it's what the doctor will prescribe for Los Angeles.

Seattle Seahawks:
A team with a bridge in Sam Darnold for the next two years would revive
Burrow in Seattle. Plenty of talent on offense and steady offensive line.
Defense is solid, but would be an upgrade over Cincinnati far as talent
is concerned. Playing in a division with San Francisco and Los Angeles,
Seattle would be primed to make a strong run and keep the fanbase
interested. They haven't seen a franchise quarterback since Russell
Wilson left in 2022. It would be a reach, but if Seattle is serious about
winning beyond 2026, a strong offer would fend off their division rival
Los Angeles.

Indianapolis Colts:
With the emergence of Daniel Jones riding the wave so far in 2025,
could it be a one year wonder? In a way, everyone is coaching for their
jobs. Head coach Shane Steichen faces an uphill battle and if Jones
doesn't get Indianapolis to the playoffs, could they entice Burrow to stay
in the Midwest? Indianapolis is a small market and can compete with
the mid tier teams. An offensive line that serviceable and reliable,
defensively is solid at best. Playing in the AFC South and being the top
quarterback in the division. It would be the dark horse team in this
equation; call and inquire about what draft compensation will be needed
to secure their franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning.

Dallas Cowboys:
For grins and giggles, stranger things have occurred in the Jerry Jones
regime. Could Jones do what's best and let franchise quarterback Dak
Prescott go after this season? Dallas does hold the two first round picks
from Green Bay from the Micah Parsons trade. Burrow would put the
Cowboys back in title contention and beyond. Offensive line is vastly
improving, defense is a work in progress. Jones drafts better than any
other general manager in football. Using premium picks to take
offensive linemen and develop. Could the no state taxes be what seals

the deal for Burrow? Anything is possible and with it being Dallas, the
aura and mystique would be attached to your legacy wearing the star on
your helmet.

If I'm Joe Burrow, don't come back in 2025; let it play out and look at
your career moving forward. A great talent deserves better and a
chance to be fully healthy; while competing for championships. These
decisions aren't easy to make, but it's the one we pass on upon being
labeled what the media deems you should be.