The Cincinnati Bengals might find themselves on the free-agent market for a quarterback this offseason.
With Joe Burrow the likely No. 1 pick and Andy Dalton a trade candidate because he still wants to be a starter, the front office might look to an outsider to serve as a rookie’s backup.
If that’s the case, the following guys might be available. Keep in mind we’ve already looked at free agents in the offensive tackles, guards, linebackers and edge rushers areas.
Marcus Mariota
![](https://feeds.usatodaysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/usatsi_13730322.jpg)
Is Mariota going to get another shot in the NFL as a starter?
If not, Zac Taylor probably wouldn’t mind getting his hands on him as a backup. Mariota is still only 26 years old and the situation in Tennessee wasn’t always favorable for the 2015 second-overall pick, hence the career 62.9 completion percentage with 76 touchdowns and 44 interceptions.
But besides his ability and the potential for a spark in a Taylor-directed offense, Mariota’s handling of getting benched last year — only to watch Ryan Tannehill lead a deep playoff run — is the type of culture the Bengals are looking to establish and would like to have around a rookie.