Imagine the shock of discovering a blockbuster deal that could have reshaped NFL history—only to learn it fizzled out before it even started. That's the juicy drama behind the Dolphins' bold pursuit of Joe Burrow in the 2020 draft, as revealed by an insider. But here's where it gets controversial: was the Bengals' swift rejection of a massive offer a stroke of genius, or a missed chance that still haunts football fans today?
Published by Andrew Peters on December 20, 2025, this revelation comes courtesy of ESPN's Adam Schefter. According to the report, the Miami Dolphins made a jaw-dropping proposal to the Cincinnati Bengals, offering up four coveted first-round draft picks—just to snag the No. 1 overall spot. For those new to NFL lingo, first-round picks are like golden tickets in the draft lottery; they're the highest-quality players a team can select, often making or breaking franchises for years. The Dolphins planned to use that top spot to draft quarterback Joe Burrow, the college sensation everyone was buzzing about.
Yet, the Bengals weren't interested in chatting. Schefter noted that Cincinnati 'declined to even engage in discussions and shut down the trade inquiry before it could gain any traction.' They held onto that prized pick and selected Burrow themselves. And this is the part most people miss: why exactly did the Bengals dig in their heels so firmly? It all boils down to Burrow's electrifying performance in college.
Back in 2019, playing for LSU, Burrow crafted what many experts call one of the most legendary seasons in college football history. He threw for an astonishing 5,671 yards—think of that as racking up more passing yards than some NFL players do in a full career—and racked up 60 touchdowns, leading his team to a national championship. Oh, and he also won the Heisman Trophy, which is basically college football's MVP award, crowning the best player in the country. So, it's no wonder the Bengals were reluctant to trade away such a potential superstar.
Fast-forward to today, and that decision has paid off in big ways. Despite a career peppered with injuries that have kept him sidelined more than fans would like, Burrow has proven to be a powerhouse when he's on the field. He's widely regarded as one of the league's top quarterbacks, and in 2022, he guided the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1988—a feat that sent shockwaves through Cincinnati and the NFL. For beginners, the Super Bowl is the championship game, the ultimate showdown where teams battle for bragging rights, massive contracts, and that shiny Lombardi Trophy.
This season, however, has been tough on Burrow. He's only played five games due to injuries, and the Bengals are on track for another year without playoff action. But fans are hopeful: Burrow is gearing up for a strong comeback in 2026, aiming to recapture that magic and steer his team back to contention.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are wrestling with their own quarterback quandary. After losing out on Burrow, they drafted Tua Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 draft. Tua, whose name might be unfamiliar to casual fans, has been the team's starting quarterback since his rookie year, through thick and thin. But lately, things have hit a rough patch—he was benched this week, even though he's physically healthy. 'Benched' simply means he was pulled from the starting lineup, sitting on the sidelines while a backup took over, which is a big deal for a team's top player.
Throughout his career, Tagovailoa has shown flashes of brilliance, performing like an elite quarterback at times. Yet, those moments are rare, and his inconsistency has been a point of frustration for Dolphins supporters. Now, facing an offseason crossroads, the team might decide to part ways with him. Tua still has three years left on his contract, with $54 million guaranteed—that's money the Dolphins are committed to paying him regardless of performance, making any decision tricky.
Schefter reports that Miami is 'prepared to move on from' Tagovailoa. Cutting him loose would create a financial headache for the team, as they'd have to eat the cost of that guaranteed money without getting much in return. Plus, his recent struggles and the hefty contract make him a hard sell in trades; other teams might not see the value in acquiring a player with such baggage. But here's the controversial twist: some argue this could be a smart reset for the Dolphins, clearing the way for a fresh start at the quarterback position, while others wonder if it's just shortsighted, given Tua's occasional brilliance.
So, what do you think? Did the Bengals make the right call by holding onto that No. 1 pick, even after such a tempting offer? And should the Dolphins cut ties with Tua, risking financial pain for potential long-term gain, or give him another shot? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have a different take on how these teams navigated their quarterback fates?
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