Bengals sign veteran QB Josh Johnson to one-year deal

Field Level Media|published: Sat 14th March, 14:32 2026

Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson (14) looks on after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Bengals signed quarterback Josh Johnson, a veteran who had two stints with Cincinnati during the 2013 and 2015 seasons, to a one-year deal on Saturday.

Johnson, 39, spent last season with the Washington Commanders, one of an NFL-record 14 teams for which he has suited up since he was a fifth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

He threw for 372 yards and one touchdown on 34-for-54 passing in five games (two starts) last season with Washington, including his first NFL start since 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens. He also rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown last season.

Cincinnati does not have a quarterback outside of star Joe Burrow.

Joe Flacco, who was signed in the wake of Burrow's injury last season, remains a free agent.

Jake Browning, who was the team's No. 3 quarterback, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Over 50 career games (10 starts), Johnson is 242-of-412 passing (58.7%) for 2,669 yards, 14 touchdowns and 18 interceptions with 481 rushing yards and two scores.

--Field Level Media

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