Cincinnati Bengals facing explosive $25 million decision that could reshape franchise before 2026 season begins

Bengals spent the offseason trying to patch a defense that collapsed last year, and the numbers explain why. They allowed the third-most points in the NFL and finished with their worst record since 2020, even though the offense ranked among the league’s top 10. The quarterback story only added layers, with Joe Burrow missing time and Jake Browning struggling before Joe Flacco arrived from the Cleveland Browns and steadied things. After Flacco’s return in free agency and signing of Josh Johnson, a new roster call is under discussion.

Will the Cincinnati Bengals cut Josh Johnson from the 53-man roster?

One roster projection has already created discussion around the quarterback room in the Cincinnati Bengals setup. Dale Altman of Cincy Jungle projected the Bengals’ 53-man roster and included only Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco, leaving Josh Johnson out despite the NFL’s emergency third-quarterback option. The call reflects how the team leans on experience rather than carrying extra depth at the position heading into the season.

Johnson brings 50 games of NFL experience with 11 starts, but his production has stayed uneven. He has more interceptions than touchdowns and a completion rate under 60 percent. He also spent last season as a third-string option for the Washington Commanders, moving across seven NFL teams over his career, with stints in both the Alliance of American Football and the XFL during gaps from the league.


Altman also highlighted Flacco’s value, writing: “Flacco is an ideal backup for the Bengals. His experience alone should help with weekly preparation in the quarterback room. While Flacco is 41 years old, the Bengals did not bring in any real competition for the backup quarterback job, and rightfully so. Flacco has shown he can still play at a high level when called upon.”

How does Joe Flacco shape the Bengals’ backup quarterback plan?

The Bengals continue to weigh experience against roster flexibility as they move through preseason decisions. Head coach Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher have both stressed the value of a dependable backup quarterback in a system built around Joe Burrow.

“When you’re looking for a backup quarterback, which is what we’re looking for, you want a great player. The same traits that make a starting quarterback a good player are going to be the traits that make a backup quarterback a good player. But the backup quarterback is a unique job, and an understanding of what that is is important.”

That viewpoint has only strengthened Flacco’s standing. The veteran, now back in Cincinnati after a short free agency window, has settled into a clear QB2 role behind Burrow. Meanwhile, Johnson’s future feels less certain as the roster crunch approaches. His contract value and long career are clear, with more than $25 million earned according to Spotrac, but the fit is now under scrutiny.

For the Bengals, the decision is no longer about experience alone. It is about whether that experience needs to be doubled, or if Flacco already covers the room.

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