Report: Miami Dolphins were willing to trade huge package to Cincinnati Bengals in order to draft Joe Burrow

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Back in 2020, the Cincinnati Bengals had the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The Miami Dolphins were reportedly interested in trading for the selection.

“According to sources with direct knowledge of the talks, the Dolphins called Cincinnati and attempted to trade for the selection that wound up being LSU quarterback Joe Burrow,” wrote NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “The call was quick, and the member of the Bengals brass who picked up the phone quickly hung up.”

Apparently, the Bengals already had Burrow in mind before the draft. That decision has played a huge part in the team’s run to the AFC Championship Game this year. Cincinnati will play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

As for the Dolphins, they were reportedly “willing” to part with with several of their draft picks in order to land the No. 1 pick.

“Sources say Miami was willing to trade all three No. 1 picks it had in 2020 — including the No. 5 pick that wound up being Tua Tagovailoa — and potentially more,” continued Rapoport. “There was not a consensus on what it would take, just that Miami wanted to try. The Bengals made sure it wasn’t a thing.

“Owner Stephen Ross was among the voices pushing hardest for the trade, according to sources. In the end, the Bengals never considered it. They selected Burrow, and the rest will live in Bengals history.”

In retrospect, it could have turned out to be a great deal for Miami if Cincinnati agreed to the supposed offer.

Burrow has been stellar this campaign. In the regular season, he completed 366 of his 520 pass attempts for 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns. He has also been playing well in his first playoffs, converting 52 of his 71 passes so far for 592 yards and two touchdowns.

Because of his impressive performances, the Bengals are now only one win away from the Super Bowl.

On the other hand, the Dolphins missed out on the postseason again, extending their drought to five years. They also have a crucial offseason ahead, as they are looking for a new head coach after letting go of Brian Flores.

The team reportedly had short-listed three candidates. One of those candidates, Brian Daboll, was recently named the head coach of the New York Giants. Whoever the Dolphins’ next head coach is, the team is likely hoping that he will be able to bring out the best in Tagovailoa.

After all, the Dolphins are seemingly expecting that the 23-year-old will be their starting quarterback next season.

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Orel is a proud contributor of Dolphin Nation. He started following the league in the late 1990s and was able to watch Dan Marino's final playing years.