Josh Johnson: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent QB

Quarterback Josh Johnson was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, but the veteran signal-caller may not be on the open market for long.

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Report: Jets Bring In Johnson for Workout

Thursday, Aug. 27

According to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1, the New York Jets are attempting to address their dire quarterback situation by working out Johnson on the heels of the Cleveland Browns reportedly showing interest in the eighth-year player as well.

Garafolo's report has since been confirmed by Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News as the Jets look to add depth behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.

New York already had plenty of question marks at the quarterback position entering training camp, but more arose after Geno Smith suffered a broken jaw due to a punch from former teammate and current Buffalo Bills pass-rusher IK Enemkpali. The injury is expected to keep Smith out of action for six to 10 weeks.

While Fitzpatrick is Smith's replacement, the Jets also have rookie fourth-round pick Bryce Petty, undrafted rookie Jake Heaps and veteran Matt Flynn, whom the team recently signed after he was released by the New England Patriots.

Johnson was a fifth-round pick out of the University of San Diego in 2008, and he has suited up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Browns, Bengals and San Francisco 49ers since then.

The 29-year-old has five career starts to his credit, with four of them coming in 2009 with the Bucs. He is 0-5, and he hasn't attempted a regular-season pass since 2011.

Johnson has long been viewed as an intriguing talent due to his dual-threat nature, though, so it isn't surprising that a quarterback-needy team like the Jets is at least kicking the tires on him.

It is difficult to envision Johnson being anything more than a reserve player for the Jets if they opt to sign him, but he has a chance to stick with the team for at least a few weeks into the regular season as an insurance policy until Smith returns to action.

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