Joe Burrow's Steelers Rumors Ignite NFL Speculation After Bengals' Defensive Loss
The Cincinnati Bengals faced a significant setback this offseason with the departure of their star defensive end, Trey Hendrickson, who joined the Baltimore Ravens led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. This move has potentially impacted the team's dynamics, drawing attention to their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, who recently engaged in discussions with Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison. Reports suggest Harrison is actively recruiting Burrow to join the Steelers, sparking widespread speculation across the NFL community.
Steelers Legends Weigh In on Burrow's Potential Move
During an episode of the Deebo & Joe podcast, James Harrison questioned former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger about the possibility of Burrow switching teams. Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion, described such a scenario as a pipe dream but expressed enthusiasm, stating, "It’s no brainer; you’d jump through hoops for that." He openly shared his interest in seeing Burrow don the black and gold of Pittsburgh, highlighting the quarterback's talent and fit within the franchise.
Burrow's Admiration for Aaron Rodgers Fuels Interest
While Harrison reportedly initiated Burrow's attention toward Pittsburgh, the Bengals quarterback has long held admiration for veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers. Burrow grew up watching Rodgers, often hoping to see him play on primetime games like Monday Night Football or Sunday Night Football. He once remarked that Rodgers "revolutionized" the quarterback position, influencing how coaches teach the game at high levels. This respect stems from observing Rodgers' performance in 2025, where at age 41, he led the Steelers to a division title and a 10-6 record while visibly enjoying the sport.
Burrow, at 29, has faced challenges, including a grade 3 turf toe injury that sidelined him for several games. In contrast, Rodgers posted career-best stats, which may have prompted Burrow to reconsider his future. At his season-ending press conference, Burrow emphasized the importance of fun in his career, saying, "If I wanna keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it... If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?" Witnessing Rodgers' joy in Pittsburgh could be a key factor in his offseason discussions.
Harrison's Recruitment Efforts and Contract Realities
James Harrison revealed he has been in talks with Burrow for weeks, suggesting the quarterback might approach Bengals owner Mike Brown to explore options. Harrison stated, "He’s going to go up there and talk to Mr. Brown to see what he needs to do, whatever he needs to do to maybe get into some black and gold." However, analysts are skeptical. Sports Illustrated's Zach Pressnell labeled the idea as one of the most outrageous statements of the 2026 offseason, arguing that Burrow's move to Pittsburgh is implausible.
Burrow's contract with the Bengals, signed in September 2023, is a five-year, $275 million extension with $219 million guaranteed, keeping him through 2029. In 2026, he is set to earn a $25 million base salary and a $10 million signing bonus, with a $47 million cap hit and a $74 million dead cap value. His total career earnings stand at $177 million, making a trade financially complex. Pressnell wrote, "There’s no world where this idea could ever come to reality," underscoring the contractual barriers.
Analysts Dismiss Feasibility Amid Ongoing Rumors
Despite Harrison's earnest efforts, many experts dismiss the possibility of Burrow joining the Steelers. While Pittsburgh indeed needs a quarterback and Burrow would be an ideal target, his lucrative deal and the Bengals' investment render a trade highly unlikely. The speculation continues to swirl, but as Pressnell and others note, it remains a fantasy rather than a feasible NFL transaction. Only time will reveal if any developments arise from these offseason conversations.
