Cincinnati Bengals: All-time passing leaders in franchise history

Cincinnati Bengals All-Time Passing Leaders – No. 7: Jon Kitna (10,707)

Bengals Quarterback from 2001-2005

Jon Kitna is a feel-good story, as he went undrafted in 1997 out of Central Washington and eventually made a name for himself in Seattle during his third year. He was impressive enough that after the 2000 season, the Bengals signed him to a five-year deal and expected him to be their starting quarterback.

Kitna delivered, beating out Scott Mitchell for the starting job and holding onto the gig for the first three years of his deal. The Bengals were terrible during the 2002 season, winning only two games but Kitna threw for over 3,100 yards and 16 touchdowns though he also threw 16 picks.

The Bengals took Carson Palmer No. 1 overall in the following draft and normally when a quarterback is taken No. 1 overall, they’re the guy from Day 1. This wasn’t the case in Cincinnati though, as the Bengals let Kitna start all 16 games during Palmer’s rookie season and Kitna played well, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 26 touchdowns.

His performance that season wasn’t enough to save his job, however, and he was relegated to backup duties in 2004 and 2005.

Kitna threw for 10,707 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 59 interceptions in his five years with the Bengals. The interception numbers aren’t great but he was a dependable veteran who was with the Bengals during some tough times.