The Cincinnati Bengals had a rough start without Joe Burrow last weekend, getting blown out in a 48-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in one of their ugliest defeats in recent memory.
Cincinnati struggled all day offensively, recording five turnovers while totaling just 171 yards on the day. Quarterback Jake Browning had two interceptions, while running back Samaje Perine, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and tight end Noah Fant each had a fumble.
Browning’s performance was especially uninspiring, which was disappointing, given how he performed back in 2023 when Burrow was hurt, going 4-3 as the starter.
He is expected to start again this weekend when the Bengals take on the Denver Broncos, which will be another difficult challenge.
Cincinnati is still 2-1 and can very well salvage its season and remain competitive with the hope of a Burrow return later in the season. But they may need to make a quarterback change in order to do so if Browning continues to struggle.
Who are three quarterbacks the Bengals could target, either in free agency or via trade?
Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo
The free agent market is very bleak at the moment. That means a trade would be necessary for the Bengals if they want a competitive option.
Insert Jimmy Garoppolo, who has years of experience as a starter and would likely welcome the opportunity to do so.
The backup to Matthew Stafford since 2024, Garoppolo didn’t have a great stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, starting only six games after signing a three-year deal, while throwing for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2023.
Prior to that, though, Garoppolo had five-plus years as the 49ers starter, and was a serviceable starter that worked well with strong options around him. At this stage in his career, we know what Garoppolo is. He’s not a franchise-altering quarterback. But, he probably is an upgrade over Browning, and could keep the Bengals afloat with weapons like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown around him.
Falcons QB Kirk Cousins
This one may be tough, given the financials involved, but the Bengals could be desperate enough to figure it out.
Cousins is another quarterback who would likely welcome a starting opportunity after being benched by the Atlanta Falcons in favor of then-rookie Michael Penix Jr. last season.
The recovery from his Achilles injury seemed to significantly hamper Cousins last season, who didn’t have the same drive in his throws and didn’t function as well in play-action. Cousins also reported after last season that he’d suffered an injury against the Denver Broncos that led to his benching. But in Cincinnati, he’d be in a shotgun-heavy offense with strong weapons who may play better to his strengths.
Cousins has also dealt with turnover issues throughout his career, but he could also be an upgrade for the Bengals at this point.
49ers QB Mac Jones
Perhaps no backup quarterback has grown their stock more than San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones since the start of the season.
Taking over for Brock Purdy after a toe injury, Jones has stepped in and won consecutive games for the 49ers, playing admirably given his situation. Now San Francisco likely doesn’t look to move him, and he’s currently on their injury report after aggravating a knee injury in Week 3. But a good enough offer makes any backup quarterback expendable.
Jones has significant starting experience and has shown he can keep an offense afloat in the right situation. He could be the answer for the Bengals for the next few months.
See More:
