The Cincinnati Bengals’ star quarterback, Joe Burrow, sidelined by his turf toe injury, has put the whole team in a tight spot, especially the head coach Zac Taylor. The current situation has backup Jake Browning immediately stepping in after Burrow went down, and while he did manage to lead the team to a comeback victory in that first game, his recent performances have led fans to question if a change is needed. And as the whole NFL community debated the trade for the QB position, NFL analysts have already suggested a bold trade option to save their season: Jameis Winston.

NFL Network analyst Gerald McCoy has thrown Winston into the mix for a potential trade. He believes the Bengals should target Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, arguing: 

“he may turn the ball over, whatever, but he’s also gonna throw for 400 yards while he’s doing it. The Bengals have arguably the best one-two punch at wide receiver in the NFL. You don’t think they’d love to have Jameis, who would get them the ball?”

Jameis has 289.6 pass YPG as a starter since 2002. The most in the NFL with a minimum of 5 starts. Currently, the 2nd backup quarterback at the Giants, Jameis is also looking for a team where he can take over and start.

McCoy showed the examples in the league. “He can play this game, but this is about redemption stories. Baker Mayfield. Sam Darnold. Gino Smith. Look at what Mac Jones has done. Was he three and O with the 49 s as a starter? Ye, that’s what this league is about. Trade for Jameis L. Winston and your whole season changes.” McCoy believes like other quarterbacks have turned around their fortunes, Winston will also be able to turn around his fortunes and the 49ers.

In short, McCoy sees Winston as a high-risk, aggressive passer who could fully unlock the talent of elite receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Despite the growing noise, Head Coach Zac Taylor has publicly backed Browning and Burrow. His confidence stems from Browning’s past success, where he led the team to a 4-3 record in 2023 after Burrow’s season-ending injury.

Through just over two games this season, Jake Browning has completed 54 of 84 passes for 506 yards with three touchdowns and five interceptions. Since taking over as the starter in Week 3, he ranks 33rd out of 35 qualifying quarterbacks in ESPN’s QBR, highlighting his struggles to settle into the role.

Browning’s backup is Brett Rypien, recently promoted from the practice squad after Joe Burrow’s injury, while Mike White and Sean Clifford were added for depth. But with the Bengals managing just 13 points and 330 total yards over the past two games, it’s clear they can’t afford to keep starting Browning unless the offense shows significant improvement.

The pressure is on Browning to deliver soon, or the calls for a trade may become too loud to ignore.

Zac is confident about Jake Browning

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant, multi-year investment in quarterback Jake Browning after Burrow’s injury, whom the team has no intention of replacing, at least for no,w as the week 5 game is here. Showing their confidence in the current QB, Browning, from 2021 to 2025. Even after acquiring Desmond Ridder, Browning’s status as the definitive primary backup has never been questioned. Head Coach Zac Taylor has been the most vocal proponent of this commitment:

“I’ve got a ton of confidence in Jake. I’m unwavering in that. I’ve seen the best of Jake. I know we can do a great job supporting him to where he can go win games for us. I feel extremely confident in Jake Browning.” Said Taylor.

Despite that confidence, the NFL is a league of constant change, and a speculative move involving trading Browning for a veteran like Jameis Winston could raise the Bengals’ floor. Winston brings proven starting experience, big arm talent, and the ability to manage an offense, giving Cincinnati a stronger “win-now” insurance policy if Burrow remains sidelined. Still, by the looks of it, Zac Taylor is sticking with Browning as the starter until Burrow makes his return. When that comeback happens, however, only time will tell.