Bengals Explore Rutgers QB as Long-Term Backup Option

Cincinnati looking to add young depth behind Joe Burrow

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:04am

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The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly taking a close look at Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis as a potential long-term backup option behind starter Joe Burrow. Kaliakmanis, who previously played at Minnesota, had a strong 2025 season, throwing for 3,124 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Bengals are considering Kaliakmanis as they look to add younger depth at the quarterback position with current backups Josh Johnson and Joe Flacco nearing the end of their careers.

Why it matters

The Bengals have had injury issues with Burrow in the past, so finding a reliable long-term backup QB is crucial. Kaliakmanis could provide that stability and development behind Burrow if he impresses the team during his pre-draft visit.

The details

Kaliakmanis, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound QB, totaled 8,604 passing yards and 55 touchdowns over his college career split between Minnesota and Rutgers. He completed a career-high 62.2% of his passes for 3,124 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025. The Bengals are bringing Kaliakmanis in for a "30 visit" to get to know him better as a potential late-round or undrafted free agent pickup to develop behind Burrow.

  • Kaliakmanis is taking a pre-draft "30 visit" with the Bengals in March 2026.

The players

Athan Kaliakmanis

A quarterback prospect who spent his college career at Minnesota and Rutgers, throwing for 8,604 yards and 55 touchdowns over four seasons.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who has dealt with occasional injury issues during his NFL career.

Josh Johnson

A veteran quarterback currently on the Bengals' roster, who is nearing the end of his playing career.

Joe Flacco

A veteran quarterback who is also on the Bengals' roster and nearing retirement.

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What’s next

The Bengals will evaluate Kaliakmanis during his pre-draft visit and determine if he is a viable option to develop as a long-term backup quarterback behind Joe Burrow.

The takeaway

The Bengals are proactively looking to add young depth at the quarterback position, recognizing the importance of having a reliable backup behind their star starter Joe Burrow. Kaliakmanis' pre-draft visit suggests the team sees potential in him to be groomed as Burrow's understudy for the future.