A stunning and speculative NFL trade scenario has set social media abuzz, proposing a blockbuster move that would reshape two franchises. The rumor, originating from MLFootball on X (formerly Twitter) on December 30, suggests the Cincinnati Bengals could trade superstar quarterback Joe Burrow to the New York Jets. In return, Cincinnati would acquire a massive haul of draft capital, enabling a rebuild around projected top 2026 draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza.
Anatomy of a Blockbuster Rumor: The Proposed Trade Framework
The core of this speculation hinges on the New York Jets' unprecedented draft capital. According to a report by Micah Warren of Heavy Sports, the Jets possess five first-round picks in the next two years. This stockpile includes two first-rounders (2026, 2027) from the Sauce Gardner trade with the Indianapolis Colts and another first-round pick (2026) from the Quinnen Williams trade with the Dallas Cowboys, both occurring in November. They also hold an additional second-round pick from the Williams trade.
This treasure trove of picks is cited as the fuel for a potential deal. The Jets, per the rumor, could package these assets to acquire a proven, elite quarterback like Joe Burrow, who is signed with Cincinnati through the 2029 season. Burrow's contract, a five-year, $275 million extension signed in September 2023, makes him the NFL's highest-paid quarterback, with $219.01 million guaranteed.
Fernando Mendoza: The Heisman Prospect at the Heart of the Speculation
Should such a trade materialize, the rumor posits that the Bengals would use their newly acquired draft position to select Fernando Mendoza, the 22-year-old Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana Hoosiers. Mendoza is widely projected as an early first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the potential to go first overall. Scouts praise his calm demeanor under pressure, strong leadership, quick defensive reads, and accuracy in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
However, not all analysts agree with this narrative. Nick Merriam of Sports Illustrated has suggested that the Jets themselves might be more inclined to use their picks to trade up for a prototypical pocket-passer like Mendoza, whom head coach Aaron Glenn might see as similar to Jared Goff.
Fan Fury, Contract Realities, and Team Needs
The rumor was met with immediate skepticism and outright dismissal from fans online. One user argued, "Why would Cincy rebuild? Burrow is great they need to build around him." Another declared, "I wouldn't trade burrow for 10 Mendoza's," highlighting Burrow's revered status in Cincinnati. Others expressed concern for Mendoza's career prospects if he joined the Jets.
Beyond fan sentiment, significant contractual and logistical hurdles exist. Burrow's deal includes a no-trade clause, giving him full control over any potential move. Furthermore, team needs complicate the theory. Recent 2026 mock draft analyses, including from USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly, indicate the Bengals' primary needs are on the defensive side, with experts linking them to edge rushers like David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr., and defensive tackle Caleb Banks.
In conclusion, while the trade scenario is a fascinating exercise in offseason speculation, it remains a highly improbable chain of events. It combines the unlikely willingness of the Bengals to move a franchise icon, Burrow's power to veto any trade, and a disconnect with the team's identified needs. The rumor primarily serves to highlight the Jets' enviable draft assets and the rising stock of college prospect Fernando Mendoza as the 2026 draft approaches.
