The Road Not Taken: Joe Burrow and the Decision That Shaped Two Franchises
In the world of professional football, few stories capture the imagination quite like the “what ifs” of draft day decisions. Joe Burrow, once the golden boy of Cincinnati who led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021, now finds himself at the center of trade speculation as his team struggles through a difficult season. The charismatic quarterback who once radiated optimism has grown noticeably sullen in recent weeks, prompting questions about his future with the franchise that selected him first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
What makes this situation particularly intriguing is the recent revelation from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that could have dramatically altered the NFL landscape. According to Schefter, the Miami Dolphins were prepared to offer an unprecedented package of four first-round draft picks to move up from the fifth position to select Burrow with the first overall pick. The Bengals, however, remained steadfast in their conviction that Burrow was their quarterback of the future and declined what would have been one of the most lucrative trade offers in NFL draft history. This decision set off a chain reaction that saw Miami select Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa instead, while the Los Angeles Chargers picked Oregon’s Justin Herbert with the sixth pick.
The 2021 season seemed to vindicate Cincinnati’s decision when Burrow orchestrated a magical Super Bowl run that electrified the franchise and its long-suffering fan base. It appeared to be the beginning of a new era for the Bengals, who suddenly boasted one of football’s most explosive offenses and a quarterback capable of competing with the NFL’s elite. That season promised the dawn of sustained success for a franchise historically plagued by disappointment, with Burrow cast as the centerpiece of this resurgence. However, the football gods had other plans, as injuries and setbacks have since derailed Cincinnati’s ascent, leaving them in a position reminiscent of when they originally drafted Burrow.
The divergent paths of Burrow and Tagovailoa present a fascinating study in NFL quarterback development. While Burrow has experienced both the highest highs (a Super Bowl appearance) and challenging lows (injury-plagued seasons and current struggles), Tagovailoa’s journey in Miami has been equally tumultuous. The Dolphins’ drought without a playoff victory has now extended beyond a quarter-century, and in perhaps the most telling sign of their quarterback situation, Tagovailoa was recently benched in favor of seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers as the 2025 season wound down. This development underscores how differently things might have unfolded had Miami succeeded in their ambitious attempt to land Burrow.
As Burrow prepares to face the Dolphins in Miami this Sunday, there’s a poetic symmetry to his visit to the city that was willing to mortgage its future for his services. Coming off perhaps the worst performance of his professional career against Baltimore, Burrow will step onto the field in a stadium that might have been his home had the Bengals valued four first-round picks over their conviction in him as their franchise quarterback. This meeting of what is versus what could have been adds an extra layer of intrigue to a game that already carries significant implications for both teams.
The story of Joe Burrow, the Bengals, and the Dolphins serves as a powerful reminder of how single decisions can shape the trajectories of multiple franchises for years to come. While Cincinnati currently grapples with the uncertainty surrounding their once-undisputed franchise quarterback, they can at least look back on that magical 2021 season as validation of their draft day conviction. Meanwhile, Miami continues its decades-long search for stable quarterback play and postseason success. As trade rumors swirl and questions about Burrow’s future persist, Sunday’s matchup offers a unique opportunity for reflection on the decisions that shape NFL franchises and the careers of the players who define them.
