Bengals Decide Against Trading for Veteran QBs, Maintain Confidence in Jake Browning

What's Happening?

The Cincinnati Bengals have opted not to pursue a trade for a veteran quarterback despite the injury to their starting quarterback, Joe Burrow. Burrow's toe injury is expected to keep him sidelined until December. The team has decided to continue with Jake Browning as their starting quarterback. Browning has struggled in recent games, throwing three interceptions in a win and completing 33 of 52 passes for 265 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in two subsequent losses. Despite these challenges, the Bengals have not shown interest in trading for quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson, citing contract complexities and a lack of interest from other teams.

Why It's Important?

The decision to stick with Jake Browning could have significant implications for the Bengals' season. With a current record of 2-2, the team faces a challenging schedule ahead, including games against the Lions, Packers, and Steelers. If Browning's performance does not improve, the Bengals risk falling further behind in the standings. This decision also reflects the team's historical reluctance to engage in in-season trades, having only done so twice in the past 53 years. The outcome of this decision could influence the team's strategy and performance for the remainder of the season.

What's Next?

The Bengals will continue to evaluate Browning's performance in the upcoming games. If the team continues to struggle, they may become sellers at the trade deadline, potentially trading players like defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The team's management and coaching staff will need to assess whether to maintain their current strategy or make adjustments to improve their chances of success this season.