Getty ImagesThe Bengals and free-agent quarterback Josh Johnson have reached a two-year contract agreement, NFL writer Jenna Laine reported Thursday night.
Johnson, 26, has appeared in 27 NFL games, starting five. He will vie for a reserve role behind Andy Dalton. Bruce Gradkowski, the top backup to Dalton last season, has joined Pittsburgh. If Johnson signs on as expected, he will join Zac Robinson as the only two other quarterbacks than Dalton on the roster.
Johnson, who played collegiately at San Diego under then-head coach Jim Harbaugh, was a fifth-round pick of Tampa Bay in 2008. Current Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden was an assistant on the Buccaneers’ coaching staff when Johnson entered the league.
Johnson appeared in one game last season, joining the Browns for the season finale after a wave of injuries at quarterback. He played one play, taking a sack on what was Cleveland’s last offensive play of the season.
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I always hear he’s good but he hasn’t gotten much of a chance anywhere.
Glad to see the Madden 2008-13 unsung hero as a 2nd string QB again!
Josh is a solid backup QB, sad to see when he left Tampa. I’m glad that Jenna Laine is getting some recognition, awesome reporter.
who? oh well…good luck bengals
Have to assume the terms are reasonable. Good to get a decent backup. I like the signing.
-QG
One play with the Browns and he was sacked. Sounds about right.
this kid can play but never got the chance i wish da browns had kept him
how do you get up from that last play, your only play of the season and go look for a job that’s not at Taco Bell?
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thesmartestmanever
i thought gradkowski caught on with the steelers?
Yes! I get to play for the Bengals now. I guess I’ll have to join them when I’m done pitching for the Blue Jays.
Can he hold a clipboard while wearing a ball cap?
Very smart move. Johnson is better than average as a backup and could start with adequate snaps to prove himself.
With Weeden’s contract year approaching, he could challenge for the top spot.
Overall improvement to Gradkowski? Ehhhhh maybe….
Thought for sure the niners would sign him. Veteran back up with experience in the system.
Super Bowl?
Championship!
Hmm, former Gruden pick. Interesting. Wish him the best.
Josh is a good kid, but he wants to run too quickly. I always thought he had potential. He will take sacks because of his lack of trust in those around him. If he could be coached through that he could become a high quality backup…or even a starter.
I suspect he is better suited to be a coach…the kid is a genius when it comes to football. Players around him already tend to call him coach.