Burrow damaged his turf toe in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, then missed nine games as Cincinnati went 1-8 in his absence. When Burrow played, the Bengals went 5-3, underscoring the disparity between a fully healthy offense and the period without their starter.
Midseason, the Bengals acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who performed creditably as Burrow’s replacement. Still, Taylor emphasized the team’s need for depth at quarterback to maintain performance if Burrow is unavailable next season.
At the NFL Combine, Taylor indicated Cincinnati will explore quarterback options in the draft or free agency. Flacco, now an unrestricted free agent, may return, but the organization is open to other paths to bolster the backup position.
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said the team would “love to have Joe Flacco back,” reflecting his strong nine-game stint in Cincinnati with 1,664 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions. NFL observers have noted a variety of veteran backups who could fit as a bridge or contingency option.
Flacco himself praised Taylor, calling him a standout leader and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to work with the Bengals. The organization has consistently indicated interest in keeping him as a possible backup option, should circumstances align.
Overall, Cincinnati’s offseason plan centers on safeguarding Burrow’s health while ensuring a reliable quarterback presence behind him, whether through a veteran backup, draft selection, or a combination of approaches. The goal is a more robust depth chart that can weather future injuries without sacrificing performance.
