Josh Johnson Nfl Signing In Cincinnati Leaves Bengals With New Joe Burrow Backup Option
The Cincinnati Bengals have added quarterback depth, signing a veteran to a one-year deal that reshapes the team’s backup plan behind Joe Burrow. The move puts josh johnson nfl back in Cincinnati for the first time since he last played for the club in 2013.
Bengals Add Veteran Quarterback Depth With Josh Johnson Nfl Deal
The Bengals announced Saturday that they have signed Josh Johnson to a one-year contract. The signing brings Johnson back to an organization he previously suited up for in 2013, continuing what has been described as a long NFL journey across numerous teams.
The announcement arrives as Cincinnati has faced questions about its backup quarterback situation entering the 2026 season. While Burrow remains the clear starter, the team has had to navigate the realities of maintaining a capable No. 2 option.
Johnson is now circling back to the Bengals at age 40, adding experience to the room. His career has included stops with multiple franchises, reflecting a lengthy run as a journeyman quarterback.
Why Cincinnati Has Been Focusing On The Backup QB Role
Discussion around the Bengals’ backup quarterback needs has been active in recent coverage of the team’s offseason priorities. Cincinnati has been described as coming into the 2026 season with significant work to do, with much of the attention directed toward the defense, while the front office also weighs a decision at quarterback behind Burrow.
The Bengals are letting Jake Browning go after struggles that led the team to trade for Joe Flacco, and Flacco is now looking for a starting opportunity. That left Cincinnati in the market for a reserve quarterback, a position the team has had to rely on with some regularity in recent seasons.
One analysis in recent days framed the decision in terms of Burrow’s availability, noting that he played in eight games in 2025 and 10 in 2023. That same analysis cited Cincinnati’s records in games Burrow starts compared with games he misses, while also pointing to defensive issues and the search for stability at quarterback when Burrow is unavailable.
Johnson’s Recent Playing Time And Career Path
Johnson’s signing adds a quarterback with recent game experience. In 2025, he appeared in five games for Washington and completed 63 percent of his passes for 372 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He went 1-1 in two starts for Washington.
His professional path has included a wide range of team stops. Since being drafted, Johnson has played for a number of teams, including the 49ers, Browns, Bengals, Chargers, Jets, Colts, Bills, Ravens, Giants, Texans, and Raiders.
Johnson’s career also includes time outside the NFL. He was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football before signing on with Washington in 2018. He later had brief stints with the Lions, 49ers, Jets, Ravens, and Broncos, then joined the Ravens in 2023 and re-signed on a one-year deal for the 2024 season.
With the Bengals’ announcement now official, josh johnson nfl becomes the latest name in the team’s ongoing effort to firm up depth behind Burrow as Cincinnati heads toward the 2026 season.
