Every so often, there is an NFL player whose name resonates across the league. Known as a “journeyman” for consistently earning opportunities with multiple teams, quarterback Josh Johnson fits that description perfectly. He continues to find roles and will begin his 19th NFL season in Cincinnati, a city he knows well.
NFL World Reacts as Josh Johnson Joins Bengals for 22nd Career Stop
Johnson agreed to a one-year contract to return to the Cincinnati Bengals for the third time and the first since 2013.
Adam Schefter reported the signing and noted that this is Johnson’s 22nd NFL stopover over 19 seasons.
“This will be Josh Johnson’s third stint with the Bengals and his 22nd — 22nd! — NFL stop since he started with the Cleveland Browns in 2012,” he tweeted.
This will be Josh Johnson’s third stint with the Bengals and his 22nd — 22nd! — NFL stop since he started with the Cleveland Browns in 2012. https://t.co/iITzQoOGBV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2026
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo observed that the NFL is in throwback mode with veteran quarterbacks. Johnson rejoined the Bengals, where he last played in 2013, while Geno Smith returned to the New York Jets.]
Teams across the league continue to seek experienced backups, allowing players like Johnson to extend their careers.
“It’s 2013 all over again,” Garafolo said.
Josh Johnson back to #Bengals 🤝 Geno Smith returning to the #Jets. It’s 2013 all over again. https://t.co/cPBKH5Q4qx
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2026
Johnson’s career is unique. Playing 19 seasons is a goal for many, but doing so across 22 teams is extraordinary. Analytics expert Warren Sharp recapped Johnson’s journey, highlighting the 13 franchises he has played for and his 11 career starts over 19 years.
“Josh Johnson’s career is incredible,” he said. “Almost half the league is a revenge game for him!”
Josh Johnson’s career is incredible
– just signed with the Bengals
– turns 40 in May
– playing in his 19th season
– bounced around making 22 stops
– played in games for 13 different franchises
– only 11 total starts (2-9 record)almost half the league is a revenge game for him! https://t.co/35ZGViJywo pic.twitter.com/yTfUoB07NC
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 14, 2026
NFL analyst Field Yates went further, listing every team Johnson has played for, including stints in the UFL, AAF, and XFL. His stops included the Sacramento Mountain Lions, San Diego Fleet, and LA Wildcats. Yates summed it up by saying, “What a football journey!”
Buccaneers
49ers
Sacramento Mountain Lions
Browns
Bengals
49ers
Bengals
Jets
Colts
Bills
Ravens
Giants
Texans
Raiders
San Diego Fleet
Commanders
Lions
LA Wildcats
49ers
Jets
Ravens
Broncos
49ers
Ravens
Commanders
BengalsWhat a football journey! https://t.co/WhImkRFpnB
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2026
While Johnson could have retired long ago and pursued coaching, he chose instead to continue playing and collecting NFL paychecks. Analyst Mike Kaye said, “Why retire and become a QB coach when you can do what Teddy B, Case K and Josh are doing and get paid a boatload more?”
Why retire and become a QB coach when you can do what Teddy B, Case K and Josh are doing and get paid a boatload more? https://t.co/xve92U0oM5
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 14, 2026
Johnson has earned significant income throughout his career and continues to maximize his opportunities.
Beyond his longevity, he has amassed one of the most extensive collections of jerseys and team apparel in the league. Public relations expert Kevin Madden quipped, “Dude’s closet must look like a Fanatics apparel showroom.”
Dude’s closet must look like a Fanatics apparel showroom. https://t.co/ahZqGlReeC
— Kevin Madden (@KevinMaddenDC) March 14, 2026
Johnson’s career remains remarkable, and he may even be called into action in 2026 behind often-injured Joe Burrow. While the Bengals hope Burrow can play all 17 games, Johnson’s presence ensures that his extraordinary NFL journey will continue.
