The Cincinnati Bengals have a number of questions to answer heading into the 2026 NFL season. Among those questions is their backup QB situation. Will Joe Flacco or Jake Browning return? Could the Bengals add another QB to back up Joe Burrow? Bengals head coach Zac Taylor addressed the question on Tuesday, admitting that it is "fair to say" that Cincinnati will look to add a quarterback this offseason, per Jeremy Rauch.

It could come through free agency. The addition may come via trade. Of course, the NFL Draft remains a possibility. Regardless of how it happens, the Bengals are probably going to bring in a backup QB at some point this offseason.

Burrow is the starter without question. When healthy, he has been an elite quarterback. The problem is that he has missed many games over the years due to injury. In 2025, he was limited to only eight total contests. 

As a result, having a reliable backup QB is crucial for this squad. While some may hear the idea of adding a backup and lose interest, it is a pivotal role in Cincinnati. 

Cincinnati's backup QBs played huge roles in 2025.

Flacco played in nine games with the team and threw for 1,664 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was of course acquired from the Cleveland Browns during the year, so Flacco appeared in 13 total games. He even earned a Pro Bowl selection for his overall performance. 

Browning also saw five contests. He threw for 771 yards and six touchdowns. While his play did not stand out, Browning still helped the Bengals by simply being available. 

The hope for the Bengals is that they will not have to rely upon a backup quarterback -- or quarterbacks -- as often in 2026. In a perfect world, Burrow will start every game. 

His injury history cannot be ignored, though. Cincinnati needs to bring someone in who can be called upon and trusted if necessary. The Bengals want to compete in 2026, so adding a backup QP who could keep the team afloat if he does need to play will be important. 

As mentioned, Cincinnati has various routes it can realistically take when it comes to adding a quarterback. Their specific strategy has yet to be revealed, but the Bengals are likely going to add a QB at some point during the NFL offseason.