The Cincinnati Bengals figure to be on the market for a backup quarterback this offseason while Joe Burrow recovers from reconstructive knee surgery.
Translation: Let the speculation begin.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter, appearing on an episode of “Get Up,” recently floated the Bengals as a destination that makes sense for Jameis Winston:
“I’ll give you a place that makes a lot of sense right now— Cincinnati, which will have Joe Burrow coming back, you don’t know if he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Jameis needs to play and impress people, he needs an opportunity, but he needs an opportunity where he might be free after that year…”
Winston, the No. 1 pick in 2015, got displaced by Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past offseason and has been serving as the backup behind Drew Brees with the New Orleans Saints on a one-year deal. He’s appeared in just three games, attempting 11 passes.
Schefter isn’t wrong — Winston will need a place to prove himself because he won’t get another monster contract after spending a year as a backup. But he could still get another chance with the Saints if Drew Brees retires and the team doesn’t want to go the Taysom Hill route.
Still, Winston is just one of many projected free-agent passers to keep in mind for the Bengals this offseason now that Brandon Allen has struggled and Ryan Finley flopped. A familiar face like Ryan Fitzpatrick might make more sense, but it’s too early to rule anything out.
.@AdamSchefter speculating on what's next for Jameis Winston:
"I'll give you a place that makes a lot of sense right now— Cincinnati." pic.twitter.com/7ZNgbJsP78
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 17, 2020
