Burrow’s Injury Shakes Cincy: Who Will the Bengals Target in a QB Trade?

Burrow’s Injury Shakes Cincy: Who Will the Bengals Target in a QB Trade?

The Cincinnati Bengals’ promising 2025 season has been thrown into turmoil with the news that star quarterback Joe Burrow will undergo surgery for a Grade 3 turf toe injury. The injury, sustained during the Bengals’ hard-fought 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, is expected to sideline Burrow for at least three months, leaving a gaping hole in the Bengals’ offense. With Burrow’s absence confirmed, the immediate question on everyone’s mind is: who will the Bengals target to fill the void at quarterback?

The Current Situation: Jake Browning Takes the Helm

In the wake of Burrow’s injury, backup quarterback Jake Browning stepped up to lead the Bengals to victory against the Jaguars. Browning, who has been with the team since 2023, displayed both promise and volatility, throwing for 241 yards and two touchdowns, but also tossing three interceptions. Despite the mixed performance, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has expressed confidence in Browning’s ability to lead the team. “They see Jake work, and so they know,” Taylor said. “They know he knows the playbook inside and out. He’s going to be making protection adjustments. He is going to be able to make the right adjustments. He’s fully capable to go out there and lead it.”

Browning’s familiarity with the Bengals’ offensive system and his existing rapport with the team’s receivers make him a logical choice to start in Burrow’s absence. However, with the Bengals aiming for a Super Bowl run, the question remains whether Browning possesses the experience and skill to carry the team through a significant portion of the season against tough competition.

Trade Targets: Potential Options for the Bengals

Given the uncertainty surrounding Browning’s ability to lead the team for an extended period, the Bengals may explore the trade market to acquire a more experienced quarterback. Several names have been floated as potential targets, each with their own set of pros and cons:

  • Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons): Cousins, a seasoned veteran with 13 years of NFL experience, is currently serving as a backup to Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta. While Cousins possesses the talent and experience to be an immediate upgrade over Browning, his hefty contract and the Falcons’ potential reluctance to trade him could pose significant obstacles. It has been reported that Cousins wasn’t happy when he got benched for Michael Penix Jr. and he hasn’t tried to hide the fact that he wants out of Atlanta so he can go to a spot where he could potentially be the starting quarterback.

  • Jameis Winston (New York Giants): Winston, a former No. 1 overall pick, is currently buried on the Giants’ depth chart behind Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart. While Winston’s career has been marked by inconsistency and turnovers, he possesses undeniable arm talent and has shown flashes of brilliance. Winston’s familiarity with the AFC North, after spending the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns, could also be an asset.

  • Jimmy Garoppolo (Los Angeles Rams): Garoppolo, a veteran quarterback with Super Bowl experience, is currently backing up Matthew Stafford with the Rams. Garoppolo’s experience and relatively low salary make him an intriguing option for the Bengals, but his injury history and limited upside could be cause for concern.

Other Potential Options

  • Desmond Ridder: The Bengals could bring back Desmond Ridder, who is familiar with the offense. Ridder signed with the Bengals back in July and spent the preseason learning Cincinnati’s playbook.

  • Will Grier (Dallas Cowboys practice squad): The Cowboys cut Greier after trading for Trey Lance in 2023, leading the Bengals to sign him to their practice squad in August 2023 while Joe Burrow was dealing with his calf injury.

  • Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals): Brissett is backing up Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray right now, but Brissett has a ton of NFL experience.

The Case for Sticking with Browning

Despite the allure of potential trade targets, the Bengals may ultimately decide to stick with Jake Browning as their starting quarterback. Browning’s familiarity with the offense, his existing rapport with the team’s receivers, and the potential cost of acquiring a veteran quarterback could all factor into the decision.

Moreover, Bengals coach Zac Taylor has expressed confidence in Browning’s ability to lead the team, stating that “They see Jake work and so they know. They know he knows the playbook inside and out.” Taylor also alluded to the team always looking to turn over rocks to find another guy.

The Road Ahead

The loss of Joe Burrow is a significant blow to the Cincinnati Bengals, but the team’s Super Bowl aspirations are not necessarily over. With a talented roster and a capable backup quarterback in Jake Browning, the Bengals have the potential to weather the storm and remain competitive in the AFC. Whether the Bengals choose to pursue a trade for a veteran quarterback or stick with Browning, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the team’s fate in 2025.