Report: 49ers eyed as Burrow trade suitor if Bengals QB requests move

49ers made a run at Stafford in 2021 before drafting Purdy

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 241 min read

What happened: NFL writer Vincent Bonsignore reports the 49ers are a team to watch if Joe Burrow requests a trade from the Bengals next offseason, citing multiple league sources. Bonsignore drew a parallel to San Francisco's 2021 pursuit of Matthew Stafford, who instead went to the Lions.

Why it matters: The scenario hinges on Brock Purdy, whom the 49ers signed to a five-year, $265 million deal in 2025 with $177 million guaranteed — this season is effectively a prove-it year after an injury-marred 2025. Burrow's trade value has been rated among the NFL's highest, underscoring why any Bengals split would draw suitors.

By the numbers: Purdy's 2025 contract: five years, $265M, $177M guaranteed. San Francisco's receiving corps now includes Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins, with Deebo Samuel no longer on the roster.

What to watch: Watch the Bengals' 2026 season trajectory and Burrow's standing in Cincinnati for any signs of the friction Bonsignore's report anticipates.

Sources

Yahoo NFL 2026-07-24T17:44:56.040576+00:00

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NFLAnalysisCincinnati BengalsSan Francisco 49ErsDetroit LionsJoe BurrowBrock Purdy

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