Joe Burrow, Jets
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow trying to make a play during an NFL game against the New York Jets.
Joe Burrow has a new backup.
The Cincinnati Bengals announced on social media that they have signed former New York Jets quarterback Josh Johnson to a deal in free agency.
According to the unofficial Bengals’ depth chart on ESPN, if the season started today, Johnson would be the QB2 behind Burrow. The only other quarterback listed is Sean Clifford.
An Incredible Journey for the Former Jets Passer
If I said Johnson was well-traveled, that would be underselling it.
Johnson, 39, will turn 40 before the start of the 2026 season. He entered the league in 2008 as the No. 160 overall pick in the fifth round.
He has suited up for 14 NFL teams in 18 years. That includes multiple stints on the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Jets, and the Washington Commanders.
This is Johnson’s third appearance with the Bengals during his storied career. He also has played in three developmental football leagues: UFL, AAF, and the XFL.
The former San Diego product did play for the green and white on two occasions.
He was briefly with the Jets in 2015, crossing over with former and now current QB1 Geno Smith. Johnson returned six years later in 2021. During the second stint, Johnson actually got on the field for the Jets.
He appeared in three games, but never made a start. During those at-bats, Johnson completed 64.4% of his passes, threw for 334 passing yards, and had three touchdowns to one interception.
Throughout his career, Johnson has served mostly in a backup role. He has started only 11 games in his career, with a 2-9 record as a starter. Last season, he started two games for the Commanders. That was the first time he had started an NFL game since 2021.
Another Former Jets Player on the Move
Johnson wasn’t the only former Jet on the move in free agency.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter revealed on social media that veteran tight end Tyler Conklin has signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.
Adam Schefter
Former Chargers TE Tyler Conklin is signing a 1-year deal with the Lions, per @MikeMcCartney7.
Conklin spent last season on the Los Angeles Chargers roster. Conklin, 30, will turn 31 before the start of the 2026 season.
The 6-foot-3, 248-pound tight end is going home with his latest free agency move. Conklin was born in Chesterfield, Michigan. He went to high school at L’Anse Creuse North in Macomb Township, Michigan.
Conklin stayed in the state when he went to college at Northwood (Midland, Michigan) and Central Michigan. He originally entered the league as the No. 157 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft.
After spending the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Conklin jumped over to the Jets in 2022. The green and white made a sizable $21 million splash in free agency to bring him in.
Conklin appeared in 50 games and made 43 starts. During that stretch, Conklin was targeted 246 times, catching 170 receptions for 1,622 receiving yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
The Jets didn’t win many games while Conklin was here (19-32), but he was a key leader for the team and one of the only reliable pieces on the offensive side of the ball.