Bengals could add veteran quarterback after signing Joe Burrow, per report

Throughout this turbulent offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals watched the quarterback market play out from the sidelines. They had their eyes set on Joe Burrow replacing Andy Dalton, and didn’t make any other changes to the position group aside from that. All signs and reports pointed towards the team being content.

Now, things may be changing.

Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports that adding a fourth quarterback is not out of the question for the Bengals.

“The Burrow deal gives them three quarterbacks, but they could be in the market for picking up a veteran as head coach Zac Taylor mulls the question of quarantining quarterbacks,” Hobson said.

Even under normal circumstances, carrying four quarterbacks has been a relative norm for the Bengals in years past. Just last year the club rostered Jeff Driskel throughout the majority of the preseason, but ended up turning their focus towards Ryan Finley and Jake Dolegala to backup Andy Dalton for the regular season after waiving Driskel with an injury settlement.

Burrow just agreed to his rookie contract yesterday and will still be the uncontested starter when training camp officially commences. With COVID-19 still a threat to alter this football season, it makes sense for Cincinnati to try and add some form of experience to the position if they happen to need it this year.

The recent practice squad expansion could also be a factor here. Having four additional spots could allow the team to stash current third-string quarterback Jake Dolegala after a preseason-less August. The offense could then theoretically run with Burrow, a veteran backup, and Ryan Finley as the active three.

Names such as Drew Stanton, Josh McCown, and Trevor Siemian all remain available on the open market.