Joe Burrow trade rumors spark excitement: can the Vikings navigate cap complexities for a blockbuster deal?
The Minnesota Vikings are generating buzz in the NFL community, fueled by speculation surrounding a potential trade for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. This frenzy was ignited after Burrow made some intriguing comments during a press conference this week, prompting discussions across social media platforms.
Evaluating the Trade Possibility
In a recent examination, we explored what a trade package from the Vikings might entail if Burrow were to express a desire to leave Cincinnati. A pivotal question emerged: can the Vikings realistically maneuver their salary cap to facilitate such a high-profile acquisition? The concise answer is yes. With enough creativity, NFL teams can often find ways to make complex transactions work under the cap.
The Cap Challenge for Cincinnati
However, the logistics become murky when considering the Bengals’ side of the equation. Trading Burrow next spring would impose a staggering dead cap hit of approximately $56.5 million. If the trade occurs after the fifth day of the new league year in March, that figure could rise. This significant financial burden contributes to the unlikelihood of a trade happening unless Burrow himself demands a move.
For the sake of exploration, let’s envision a scenario where Burrow—armed with a full no-trade clause—indicates a preference to join the Vikings. This opens the door for Minnesota to craft a compelling offer for one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Creating Cap Space in Minnesota
So, how might Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and cap specialist Rob Brzezinski create the necessary space to accommodate Burrow’s contract? Currently, Burrow’s five-year, $275 million deal is structured heavily with signing and option bonuses, leading to a relatively modest base salary of $25.2 million in 2026. He has a guaranteed salary of $35.2 million next year, which includes a $10 million roster bonus. If the Vikings were to acquire Burrow, these figures would be their responsibility.
At present, Minnesota is projected to be $25 to $35 million over the 2026 salary cap, following significant investments made in the previous offseason to support a rookie quarterback contract. To facilitate Burrow’s entry, they would need to create a minimum of $60 million in cap space, possibly more.
Potential Moves to Create Space
Fortunately, the Vikings have several strategies at their disposal to alleviate cap pressure. Here are some key moves they could consider:
Restructure Justin Jefferson’s contract: $18 million in cap savings
Extend Brian O’Neill’s contract: $14 million in cap savings
Extend or restructure Jonathan Greenard’s contract (or include him in a trade): $13 million in cap savings
Release Ryan Kelly: $12 million in cap savings
Extend Andrew Van Ginkel’s contract: $11 million in cap savings
These five maneuvers alone could generate $68 million in cap space. Beyond these options, the Vikings have a plethora of other strategies available, including further restructures, contract extensions, cuts, or trades. While many of these actions involve deferring costs to future years, this is a common practice within the NFL landscape.
The underlying message is clear: if the opportunity arises to acquire Joe Burrow, the Vikings possess the capabilities to navigate their challenging salary cap situation. With Brzezinski’s expertise in leveraging cap strategies, Minnesota could very well position itself to make a bold move for the star quarterback.
