Cincinnati Bengals QB depth chart following 2022 NFL Draft

QB2: Brandon Allen

While some fans might have been disappointed to see the team re-sign Brandon Allen, it made perfect sense as to why. He’s been with the organization since Burrow’s rookie year and the two are comfortable with each other.

He also is familiar with the offense and that means a lot to Zac Taylor. He wants to keep the guys who know his offense and can step in and execute if something happens to Burrow to keep him out for a few games.

Allen was a sixth-round pick by the Jaguars in the 2016 NFL Draft and then spent a few years with the Rams. The 2019 season is when he got a chance to start for the Broncos. He went 1-2 as a starter that year, throwing for 515 yards, three touchdowns, and two picks.

Allen joined the Bengals ahead of the 2020 season and eventually made his way onto the active roster and started five games that year while Burrow was out. He threw for 925 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.

Fortunately, fans didn’t have to see Allen much in 2021. He appeared in six games and made one start (the game where Burrow sat out due to Cincy already locking up a playoff spot). In that game, Allen wasn’t stellar, throwing for 136 yards and a touchdown.

It won’t be a good situation if Burrow has to miss an extended period of time, but Taylor clearly feels confident that Allen will give the Bengals a chance to win even without Joey Franchise.