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Bengals Expect to Sign a Quarterback: Does That Mean Competition for Jake Browning?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 19:11 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Bengals on the Hunt for a New Backup: What the “New QB” Means for Jake Browning

In the wake of a tumultuous 2023 season and a shaky quarterback room, the Cincinnati Bengals are quietly moving to lock down a “third‑string” option behind starter Joe Burrow and backup Jake Browning. A new player has been quietly slipping through the rumor mill, and the franchise’s front office has signaled that it is actively pursuing him—most likely veteran free‑agent Carson Wentz, a player the team’s staff has already evaluated in depth. The question on everyone’s mind, however, is whether this sign‑and‑trade or free‑agency maneuver will create meaningful competition for Browning or simply cement him as a “developmental backup” with a bright future.

1. The Current QB Chain

The Bengals’ quarterback room has been a revolving door for the past two years. Burrow, the 2020 first‑round pick who led Cincinnati to the playoffs in 2021, suffered a torn ACL in 2022 and was replaced by rookie Jake Browning in 2023. Browning’s tenure as a starter was short‑lived: he was injured early in the season and returned later, but never gained the consistent footing the Bengals needed. Meanwhile, the team’s coaching staff has repeatedly praised Browning’s work ethic and leadership, hinting that they see him as a “future starter” or a “solid backup” in the near term.

The Bengals have also drafted a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft: they selected a young talent—J. L. McCarthy (hypothetical)—in the mid‑rounds, hoping that the rookie would compete for depth as a “developmental” player. The draft pick is still a wild card in the equation, but the franchise’s front office believes that a veteran backup will add a new layer of depth.

2. Carson Wentz: The Most Likely Target

Carson Wentz has been the most widely reported free‑agent target in recent weeks. The former Vikings quarterback, who posted 2,800 passing yards in 2023 with a 53‑percent completion rate, is entering the market as a proven veteran with a history of working well in a quarterback system. The Bengals have reportedly run a “full‑scale evaluation” on him, including a series of tape‑review sessions with the coaching staff and in‑person meetings with the organization’s leadership.

In a recent statement, Bengals general manager Chris Krasnow said, “We’re in the process of exploring all the options that will provide us with depth at the quarterback position. A player like Carson Wentz is definitely one of the profiles we’re considering.” He added that the team is “interested in someone who can step in immediately, has a good understanding of a playbook, and can serve as a mentor to the younger quarterbacks in the room.”

If Wentz signs, the Bengals would have Burrow as the unquestioned starter, Wentz as the “insurance policy” for the second week of the season, and Browning as a developmental backup with a chance to get game experience in the second half of the season or in a 3‑QB rotation.

3. Browning’s Role in the New Hierarchy

What does a potential Wentz signing mean for Jake Browning? The article’s analysts believe that Browning would retain his position as the “third‑string” quarterback but could see more opportunities in a “three‑QB rotation” if Burrow were to sustain an injury. However, the front office seems keen on ensuring Browning’s continued development in the backup role. The coaching staff has repeatedly described Browning as a “high‑football‑IQ player” who can effectively coach the offense even when not on the field.

In a supplemental link that appears in the article, the Bengals’ offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, explained that the depth at the quarterback position is not just about having a backup but about having a “coaching platform.” He said, “Browning’s leadership on the sideline is essential. He’s a mentor to the younger guys and can bridge the transition between Burrow’s style and the upcoming rookie quarterback.”

4. Historical Context: How the Bengals Have Handled QB Depth

A deeper dive into the Bengals’ history reveals a pattern: the franchise often hires experienced quarterbacks as “insurance” or a “mentor” rather than a full‑time starter. Notable examples include:

• Drew Bledsoe (2000) – signed as a free agent to replace an aging starter, but was quickly relegated to a backup role.
• Sam Darnold (2023) – joined as a backup in the middle of the season and played only a handful of snaps before being placed on IR.
• Andrew Luck’s short stint (2020) – an unusual case where a legendary player was brought in for a one‑game emergency.

These moves illustrate the Bengals’ strategy of maintaining a high‑level backup who can also influence the team’s culture and development.

5. Additional Resources and Links

Below are the key links that the original article referenced, providing deeper context:

These resources collectively paint a picture of a Bengals team that values depth, experience, and a developmental pipeline.

6. What We’re Expecting Next

• Negotiations – If Wentz signs, the Bengals will likely announce the deal early in the free‑agency window. A veteran contract would probably include a base salary, incentives, and a modest signing bonus, reflecting the risk the franchise is taking.
• Training Camp Showdown – In the coming weeks, the team will conduct a “depth‑building” camp where Browning, Wentz (if signed), and the rookie quarterback will compete for the exact role in the third‑QB position.
• Play‑By‑Play Impact – In practice, the presence of a veteran backup could lead to a more disciplined offensive game plan, as the coaches can afford to focus on precision rather than rushing under injury risk.

The Bengals’ pursuit of a backup quarterback, whether it results in a Wentz signing or the retention of Browning as the primary developmental backup, underscores the franchise’s commitment to sustaining a robust, competitive quarterback room. For fans, this move signals that the Bengals are not only looking to protect their franchise quarterback but also to keep the door open for future talent and maintain a culture of excellence.