Andrew Buller-Russ
After missing out on the postseason in 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals have been doing everything in their power to ensure they don’t take another step back in 2026. After losing top pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency, the Bengals know this won’t be easy. Boye Mafe’s arrival, coupled with a $60 million contract, will surely help. But the Bengals aren’t done.
Recently, the Bengals signed veteran quarterback Josh Johnson to a one-year contract. He joins Joe Burrow and Sean Clifford as the only QBs on Cincinnati’s roster. But Bengals general manager Duke Tobin may not be done adding at the position.
According to The Athletic‘s Bengals insider Paul Dehner Jr., the team is “waiting on” Joe Flacco in free agency.
“When the Bengals signed 14-team NFL legend Josh Johnson (for the third time) on Saturday, it sent a clear message about their approach to backing up Burrow: They plan on waiting for Joe Flacco. Flacco stated he wants to find a job where he can compete to start. He’s also said that if he can’t find that, he’d be interested in returning to Cincinnati, where he posted some of the best individual games of his storied career.”
The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr on Joe Flacco
If the Bengals did sign Flacco after already adding Johnson, they’d have the oldest group of quarterbacks in the NFL. Flacco is 41, and Johnson isn’t far behind him at 39. Burrow is 29.
While injuries are always a factor throughout the course of a season, the Bengals seem to be prioritizing experience when it comes to their QB room. Last year’s backup, Jake Browning, has already inked a new deal with the Buccaneers, so no matter what, the Bengals’ depth chart will look a bit different at QB next year.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window
