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The Cincinnati Bengals are probably in the market for another quarterback to come in and compete for the backup spot this offseason. Josh Johnson was signed last year because of his familiarity with Jay Gruden and his West coast-style offense.
Now with Hue Jackson at the helm, his system may not be an adequate fit for Johnson. He is set to make just $1 million in 2014, but if the Bengals were to cut him, it would leave just $50K in dead money.
It also seemed evident last year that Johnson wasn't doing anything to push Dalton for his job when he was struggling midway through the year. Having a strong backup behind Dalton to push him harder in training camp and whenever he goes through his slumps could help with his development.
It also helps to have two guys competing for one backup spot. Last year, John Skelton made a nice run at the backup job, only to lose a close battle to Johnson. Zac Robinson is still on the roster, but he's been implanted on the practice squad while Jay was here, so his time in Cincinnati may be near the end.
Ideally, the Bengals will draft a young prospect like Georgia's Aaron Murray or LSU's Zach Mettenberger to develop behind Dalton. That said, many of the QBs listed below could be available after the draft in the even the Bengals are unable to draft one they like.
Here's a look at which QBs are still available to sign:
Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
Colt McCoy, San Francisco 49ers
Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks
Kellen Clemens, St. Louis Rams
Luke McCown, New Orleans Saints
Derek Anderson, Carolina Panthers
Dan Orlovsky, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rex Grossman, Washington Redskins
Tim Tebow, Didn't play in 2013
Jimmy Clausen, Carolina Panthers
Charlie Whitehurst, San Diego Chargers
John Skelton, Cincinnati Bengals training camp in 2013
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Vick and McCown won't sign with the Bengals as they look for a chance to start, something the coaches and front office people in Cincinnati aren't offering. If the Bengals decide to bring in another QB, the most realistic option on here may be Colt McCoy.
He has experience in the AFC North with his first three NFL seasons being with the Cleveland Browns. McCoy also is looking for a new home after the 49ers traded for Blaine Gabbert to be Colin Kaepernick's backup.
Josh Freeman has the highest upside of anyone on this list, but his work ethic leaves a lot to be desired. At the end of the day, the draft is the best option for another QB, but don't be surprised if one of these guys is eventually signed.