Sportsnaut
The Cincinnati Bengals thought they’d be just fine with Jake Browning as their starting quarterback. Three games in, he’s helped lead them to a 1-2 record. That’s not ideal after they started the season 2-0, partially with Browning’s help.
Yet, he is also among the NFL’s interceptions leaders. In fact, Browning’s 6% interception rate is the highest in the NFL.
Meanwhile, everything the Bengals did this offseason was aimed at getting back to competing for a playoff spot after missing the postseason a year ago. They’re not ready to throw in the towel just because Joe Burrow suffered another serious injury.
While they’re willing to give Browning a more extended look, if the losses start piling up, Cincinnati would be foolish not to consider other options. But who? The options in free agency appear limited, but there could be another solution that many are overlooking.
Recently, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested an outside-the-box idea: How about pulling Derek Carr out of retirement?
Carr surprisingly retired in May due to a lingering shoulder injury he didn’t want to get surgery on. As far as we know, Carr still hasn’t had surgery on his shoulder, but it has been five months since he made his decision to step away. It’s possible Carr’s shoulder feels better today than it did in May, but is he ready to play?
It’s worth at least placing a phone call to the 34-year-old four-time Pro Bowler. Who knows? Carr might just be the quarterback who can help salvage the Bengals’ season, and the opportunity to throw to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins could be just the motivation he needs.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Is Jake Browning One of the NFL’s Worst?
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