Bengals Bring Back Veteran QB Josh Johnson for Third Stint

The 14-year NFL journeyman will back up Joe Burrow in Cincinnati.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed veteran quarterback Josh Johnson to a one-year contract for the 2026 season. This will be Johnson's third stint with the Bengals, as he previously played for the team in 2013 and was in their training camp in 2015. Johnson has extensive experience as a journeyman quarterback, having appeared in games for seven different NFL teams over his 14-year career.

Why it matters

The Bengals needed to add depth at the quarterback position after former backup Jake Browning signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson's experience and familiarity with the Bengals organization make him a logical choice to serve as Joe Burrow's backup for the upcoming season.

The details

Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 219-pound signal caller, was originally selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Over his career, he has played in 50 regular-season games with 11 starts, completing 242 of 412 pass attempts for 2,669 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. He has also contributed as a runner, with 94 rushing attempts for 481 yards and two touchdowns. Beyond the NFL, Johnson has played in alternative professional leagues, including the original United Football League's Sacramento Mountain Lions in 2012 and the XFL's Los Angeles Wildcats in 2020.

  • The Bengals announced the signing of Josh Johnson on March 14, 2026.
  • Johnson previously played for the Bengals in the 2013 season and was in their training camp in 2015.

The players

Josh Johnson

A 14-year veteran quarterback who has played for seven different NFL teams, including the Bengals in 2013 and 2015.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' starting quarterback, for whom Johnson will serve as the backup.

Jake Browning

The Bengals' former backup quarterback who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal.

Joe Flacco

The Bengals' other backup quarterback who is currently a free agent.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Bengals' decision to bring back veteran quarterback Josh Johnson for his third stint in Cincinnati demonstrates the team's commitment to maintaining depth and experience at the quarterback position behind their star starter, Joe Burrow. Johnson's familiarity with the organization and his extensive NFL experience make him a valuable addition to the Bengals' roster as they look to build on their recent success.