Building a Backup: Understanding the Bengals Interest in Tom Savage

The endless prattle about the necessity for the Bengals to draft a developmental quarterback in the middle rounds is the sort of unintelligible rationale that one comes to expect from ex-girlfriends, pre-schoolers, and Jets fans.  Whether you are pro-Dalton or anti-Dalton, it remains highly unlikely that even a first round pick would upset him from the starting job in 2014.  Additionally, Jason Campbell could be arguably the best backup quarterback that Dalton has had since being drafted in 2011.  Also notable, during that same time period, the Bengals have not named three quarterbacks to their opening day roster.

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Arthur Lynch (88) jumps over top of Missouri Tigers defensive back Randy Ponder (7) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

So let’s try and understand the armchair logic: the game plan is to draft a Zach Mettenberger or Aaron Murray in the middle rounds only to let them hang out on the practice squad?  No you say?  If the Bengals want to draft a more ‘potentially ready’ signal caller, they do so at what cost and for what reward?  Should the Bengals miss out on a much needed developmental free safety like Brock Vereen or Ty Zimmerman or a third tight end prospect like power blocker Arthur Lynch or hybrid Colt Lyerla?  More importantly, should a third string quarterback take there roster spot of one of these players should they become drafted regardless?  The prevailing logic in Cincinnati says no.