“Critical Decision” – Why the Bengals Must Secure Another Quarterback After Joe Burrow’s Season-Ending Injury…

Here are three reasons why the Bengals should consider adding another quarterback following the announcement of QB Joe Burrow being sidelined for the rest of the season after the Week 11 loss to the Ravens, leaving only QB Jack Browning on the active roster.

1. Maintaining Competitive Spirit: With Burrow out for the season, the Bengals’ chances of making a Super Bowl run are close to zero. However, despite this setback, Cincinnati possesses one of the league’s most talented offenses. While the Super Bowl may be out of reach, the team can still take pride in potentially ending the playoff hopes of divisional rivals, such as the Steelers and the Browns. Both teams are vying for a wild-card spot and have less potent offenses than the Bengals. Though it may be a consolation prize, adding another quarterback could inject some competitive spirit into the team for the remaining games.
2. Tee Higgins’ Contract Year Concerns: Wide receiver Tee Higgins, a 2020 second-round pick for Cincinnati, is in the final year of his rookie contract. The team faces the decision of whether to extend his contract in the upcoming offseason. Despite impressive performances in his first three seasons with 215 catches, 3,027 yards, and 19 touchdowns, Higgins has had a less impressive year, partly due to Burrow’s absence. Before committing to a significant investment in Higgins, the Bengals would likely prefer to see him bounce back in the remaining games of the season.
3. Avoiding the Need to Tank: Unlike many teams in the league, the Bengals are well-positioned at the quarterback position for the next decade. This means that securing a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is not a pressing need. While other talented players would still be available if the Bengals were to lose most of their remaining games, the team, having endured several years as one of the worst in the NFL, likely aims to avoid returning to such a position. The Bengals could have their eyes on top prospects like Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. or Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt, but achieving that would require a painful 2023 for fans. However, it’s emphasized that a top-10 draft pick may not be necessary for the Bengals to achieve their goals in 2024 and beyond.