The first half of Jake Browning as the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 season offered some hope. While undoubtedly not as good as Joe Burrow, Browning was able to put together an explosive half against the Jacksonville Jaguars, willing the Bengals to victory. However, everything has gone downhill since then.
A brutal Week 3 performance did not see any redemption on Monday Night when he faced off against the Denver Broncos. Instead, another underwhelming performance dropped Cincinnati to 2-2, with the future looking bleak and a third-straight year without making the playoffs looking like a reality. As a result, the Bengals fan base was quick to propose the idea of a trade that could bring them a savior to salvage the season.
Could the Cincinnati Bengals Make a Quarterback Trade?
As the New York Giants made the switch to prioritize the future and give Jaxson Dart the starting job over Russell Wilson, it has created a surplus in the quarterback room for the franchise.
However, it isn’t Wilson but the other QB New York signed in the offseason, Jameis Winston, that the fans in Cincinnati believe could be the balm for their woes so far this season.
Ranking as the second-worst unit on PFSN’s Offense Impact, their 53.3 grade so far this season is also the second-worst for any offense since 2000. Simply put, this is a recipe to knock the Bengals out of playoff contention.
As a result, the fan base believes Winston is the answer. While far from a perfect quarterback, his legendary collegiate career and Pro Bowl season in the NFL have demonstrated his productivity.
On an offense that has the potential to be a world-beater, his guarantee for explosiveness would add a danger element to the Bengals. It would give the unit a noticeable uptick and potentially make them a more competitive team.
As the fans rallied behind the cause, one fan made it clear, “Bengals should trade for Jameis Winston, he’s the only person that can save them.” For others, though, it was perplexing that the organization hadn’t already made a move.
Genuinely what is stopping the Bengals from acquiring Jameis Winston?
— Tate 𓊝 (@TateTakes) September 30, 2025
One fan questioned, “Genuinely what is stopping the Bengals from acquiring Jameis Winston?” One fan even had the trade idea ready, suggesting, “@Bengals take Jameis Winston or Russell Wilson from the @Giants for a 3rd rounder. Browning isn’t going to cut it. #NFL #NYGiants #Bengals”
@Bengals take Jameis Winston or Russell Wilson from the @Giants for a 3rd rounder. Browning isn’t going to cut it. #NFL #NYGiants #Bengals
— Andrew TalkSportsNY (@TalkSportsNY) September 30, 2025
Some fans were ready to give up on the team unless a change was made. With the offense totaling 159 total yards against Denver, the situation was reaching a fever pitch. Some fans even took to threatening.
“If the Bengals want us to watch the games they need to go get a different QB. At least Jameis Winston might make the losses entertaining. Get a QB. Oh, and get a new coach.”
If the Bengals want us to watch the games they need to go get a different QB. At least Jameis Winston might make the losses entertaining. Get a QB. Oh, and get a new coach.
— BrianB (@BrianB2021) September 30, 2025
It’s unclear if Winston would solve all the problems plaguing the Bengals franchise. But as one of the most trigger-happy quarterbacks in the league, he would make the games far more enjoyable and give the offense at least a fighting chance against other teams.
It might not be much. But at this point, it is all that the Bengals can reasonably hope for.
