Ranking QB Trade Options Who Can Spark Bengals Offense

Joe Burrow's absence due to injury has sucked the life out of the Cincinnati Bengals offense, and they must do something about it.

In Week 2, Jake Browning subbed in for Burrow and made enough plays to propel Cincinnati to a 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are now 3-1.

Over the past two weeks, the Bengals have managed only one touchdown, with Browning throwing for 265 yards, 1 TD, and 2 interceptions, while the team has been outscored 76-13.

After Monday night's putrid offensive performance, the Bengals need to make a move for a new fill-in starting quarterback. 

They're 2-2 with a shot to make the playoffs in a division with the injury-riddled Baltimore Ravens and struggling Cleveland Browns, both of whom are 1-3.

Though Browning served as a solid backup for Burrow during the 2023 season, he's painfully ineffective, and star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is starting to show frustration with the team's effort.

Here's a top-five ranking of the best quarterback trade options who can spark Cincinnati's offense.

5. Jameis Winston, New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Jameis Winston represents a true roller-coaster option for the Bengals. If traded for in an emergency scenario, his strong arm will feed Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, though his tendency for turnovers remains a concern.

Winston would bring immediate excitement to Cincinnati's offense, but the club must weigh the cost of his careless throws that could put the defense in tough spots and force the offense into track meets.

In 2024, as a fill-in for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, Winston threw for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 61.1 percent completion rate in 12 contests, which included seven starts. The Browns went 2-5 with him under center.

This year's Bengals team has more offensive playmakers than last year's Browns squad. So, Winston may post more efficient numbers in Cincinnati. Nonetheless, his history shows a tendency to put the ball up for grabs regardless of the talent around him.

In 10 years, Winston has never led a team to the playoffs, and he hasn't started in a postseason game. If the Bengals still believe they have a shot to win the division or claim a wild-card spot, they may prefer a quarterback with extensive playoff experience.

4. Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Andy Dalton offers a safe, nostalgic option—giving Cincinnati a chance to bring him home.

The Bengals selected Dalton in the second round of the 2011 draft. He led them to four consecutive playoff appearances, but the club went one-and-done in those trips to the postseason.

Still, Dalton put together a solid career in Cincinnati, throwing for 31,594 yards, 204 touchdowns and 118 interceptions with a 62 percent completion rate in 133 starts through nine campaigns. He holds the franchise record in touchdown passes and ranks second in passing yards behind Ken Anderson.

If the Bengals made this move, it wouldn't just be a feel-good story for a 37-year-old who's at the end of his career. Dalton can still be a serviceable short-term replacement.

In Carolina, Dalton has thrown for 10 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 64.7 percent completion rate in 11 games, which include six starts. If the backup signal-caller hadn't sprained his thumb in a car accident, he may have taken the starting job away from Bryce Young last year.

Dalton is six years older than Winston, but he's led playoff squads and has a winning record as a primary starter (84-82). 

By the way, in 2022, former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen benched Winston for Dalton, who threw for 2,871 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 66.7 percent completion rate in 14 games.

3. Sam Howell, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Sam Howell is far less experienced than Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton, but he can be the Bengals' long-term backup option for oft-injured Joe Burrow.

In 2023, his second year with the Washington Commanders, Howell threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and a league-high 21 interceptions. He also showcased his mobility with 48 carries for 263 yards and five touchdowns.

While that stat line may give you Winston vibes, he played in an imbalanced system under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Washington ranked first in pass attempts and last in total carries that year.

The Bengals have struggled to run the ball through the first quarter of the season, but they do have a dynamic starting running back in Chase Brown, who averaged more than four yards per carry in his first two campaigns.

Howell would have a much stronger supporting cast in Cincinnati than he had in Washington. Furthermore, head coach Zac Taylor is a more experienced play-caller than Bieniemy was two years ago in his first offensive coordinator position separate from Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

Assuming Burrow remains out for an extended period, he will miss at least six games in a season for the third time in seven years. At 25, Howell can be a high-end backup for the 2020 No. 1 pick, who may not be able to shake the injury bug.

2. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Cincinnati will have to pay a higher price for Kirk Cousins compared to any of the other options because of the signal-caller's contract, which runs through the 2027 term.

Nonetheless, Cousins may be worth the cost if he's healthy.

As the primary starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and tied for a league-high 16 interceptions with a 66.9 percent completion rate. In Week 15, the Falcons benched him for Michael Penix Jr., whom they selected in the first round of last year's draft.

Cousins was benched due to passing inefficiencies and trouble pushing the ball downfield. In the offseason, he conceded lingering shoulder and elbow injuries—initially downplayed—had affected his play.

If the Bengals believe that, they should inquire about the 37-year-old, who led the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs three years ago in a Pro Bowl campaign. Over the last two years, Cousins has dealt with injuries; however, if he can stay on the field, the Bengals may have a chance to make the playoffs.

1. Russell Wilson, New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The Bengals would know exactly what they're getting with Russell Wilson on a squad that has postseason aspirations. Cincinnati saw it play out in its division with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year.

In Week 7 of the previous campaign, the Steelers benched Justin Fields for Wilson, who helped lead them to a 6-5 record. Despite a late-season collapse, Pittsburgh still made the playoffs. 

Wilson is the top option on this list because he had some decent games on a playoff team last season, throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions with a 63.7 percent completion rate. Additionally, his resume is far more impressive than that of the other candidates, boasting 10 Pro Bowl campaigns and making two Super Bowl appearances as a starter. 

Although the Giants benched Wilson for rookie Jaxson Dart (who led them to their first win), Wilson still delivered a standout performance against the Cowboys, throwing for 450 yards and completing 73.2% of his passes.

With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the perimeter, Wilson should be able to post solid numbers against more formidable defenses.

The 36-year-old is not a high-volume passer who posts gaudy stat lines, but he is a reliable field general who can help a talented team win games.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.