Stephen A. Smith Says Joe Burrow Should Request a Trade If Bengals Fail to Protect Him

Joe Burrow, the face of the Cincinnati Bengals franchise and one of the NFL’s brightest young quarterbacks, has found himself at the center of heated sports talk once again. But this time, it’s not about his stats or his injuries—it’s about whether he should even stay with the Bengals at all.

On a recent episode of First Take, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith stirred major controversy by boldly suggesting that Burrow should consider requesting a trade if the Bengals continue to fail at protecting him. The statement came as frustrations mount over Cincinnati’s inconsistent offensive line play and the organization’s hesitancy to spend aggressively on long-term roster stability.

“I’m gonna say it,” Smith declared on air. “If the Cincinnati Bengals don’t get their act together and protect this man, Joe Burrow should ask for a trade. Period.”

Smith didn’t hold back. He criticized the Bengals’ ownership, particularly pointing to the team’s reputation for being “cheap” and reactive instead of proactive when it comes to roster development and protecting their franchise quarterback. According to Smith, despite Burrow’s generational talent, the organization hasn’t shown the same level of commitment to winning as other elite franchises have with their stars.

The context of Smith’s remarks is crucial. Burrow, who has already suffered multiple injuries in his young career—including a torn ACL and calf strain—has taken far more hits than a quarterback of his caliber should. Although the Bengals have attempted to improve the offensive line, many feel the upgrades haven’t been enough. Burrow remains one of the most frequently pressured quarterbacks in the league, a trend that puts both his career and the team’s future at risk.

Adding to the tension are the contract situations surrounding key offensive weapons like Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Both are nearing the end of their rookie deals, and questions remain about whether the Bengals will pay to keep the core intact. Burrow himself has publicly emphasized the importance of keeping his playmakers around, signaling that team continuity—not just protection—is a top concern.

Stephen A. pointed to other NFL quarterbacks, such as Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson, who took control of their careers by either demanding more from their front offices or requesting a change of scenery altogether. He suggested Burrow may need to do the same if the Bengals don’t evolve quickly.

“If they’re not going to protect him and keep his weapons around, why should he waste the prime of his career there?” Smith asked.

As of now, there’s no indication Burrow is considering a trade, and he remains under contract through at least the 2029 season after signing a record-breaking extension. However, Smith’s comments have amplified a conversation already happening among fans and analysts: Can the Bengals be trusted to build a long-term contender around one of the league’s most valuable players?

For now, all eyes are on Cincinnati’s front office. Because if they don’t act soon, the noise around Joe Burrow’s future might grow too loud to ignore.