The list of quarterbacks the Cincinnati Bengals could try and sign to replace Jake Browning
The Cincinnati Bengals are sliding fast after losing Joe Burrow until December, and they may need to make a trade for a QB to stay alive in the AFC.
If the last two weeks have shown Cincinnati fans anything, it’s that life without Joe Burrow is going to be rough. Two games, two losses, and just 13 points scored since Burrow was ruled out until December, and if the Bengals are going to hang around in the playoff picture something needs to change.
No replacing Burrow, but…
After winning the first two games of the season, things in Cincy were looking like the Bengals were on track to return to relevance in the AFC. They splashed some major cash to keep Burrow’s favorite targets in town for a few more years and they extended they sack leading defensive end to a one year deal.
All of this cash and all of these investments of course were prefaced with expectations of a Super Bowl run. It’s not easy keeping a team together for an extended amount of time, and this year was supposed “the year.”
That all got flushed down the gutter in Week 2 when Burrow suffered a turf toe injury that will keep him out until at least December. Jake Browning was called upon to fill in, but there were signs of trouble from the start. He threw three picks against the Jags, but the Bengals some how hung on to win.
In the last two weeks as the starter he is averaging 133 yards passing, has 1 TD and 2 INTs. Meanwhile the Bengals have scored 13 points and the have been beaten by a combined 63 points with Browning as their starter. That’s the worst turnout in franchise history, and that’s saying something for the Bengals. So who can Cincy turn to? Believe it or not there are options.
Russell Wilson, New York Giants
Wilson is a 10 time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl winner. His best days are behind him, that’s for sure but he showed he can still sling it in the Giants game against the Cowboys a couple weeks ago. Jaxon Dart has been named the starter in the Big Apple, so the Giants don’t necessarily need Wilson.
Jameis Winston, New York Giants
Russ’s teammate, and the third string QB for the NYG still thinks of himself as a starter in this league. He accepted the role he was given coming into the season, but Winston is one of the most entertaining players in the game. Both on the field and off. He can light it up, but he can also make some scathing mistakes but it would be fun especially considering the amount of fire power he would have at his disposal.
Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns
Why not. It doesn’t seem like the Browns have much interest in playing him after naming Dillon Gabriel their starter and keeping Sanders as the 3rd string QB while Flacco nestles into the second string spot. It can’t be good for Gabriel to have Sanders backing him up. It’s probably a headache for coach Kevin Stefanski. And Sanders would love a shot to play as soon as possible. It’d be a big chance, but can it get much worse?
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
This one seems to be a little more far fetched. The only reason for that is because Cousins is the QB2 behind Michael Penix Jr. and they don’t have a QB3 at the moment with Emory Jones on IR. Cousins has a fat contract and that could get in the way as well, but you can’t tell me that the former Vikings QB would’t be able to lead this offense above .500 for the rest of the way?
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