Bengals look into 8604-yard QB as long-term depth chart possibility

The Cincinnati Bengals probably need a new long-term backup QB.

This offseason, Jake Browning left, and they've currently brought aboard Josh Johnson. Given Joe Burrow's occasional health issues, they might want to think about more than just Johnson.

Maybe Joe Flacco is still in play, but he and Johnson are both nearing the end of the road. Cincinnati could start considering something longer-lasting.

The guy they're looking into right now: Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis.

NFL Draft writer Ryan Fowler reports that Kaliakmanis is taking a "30 visit" to Cincinnati, meaning he's one of the prospects they really want to get to know.

MORE: Why the Kansas City Chiefs traded for Justin Fields

Kaliakmanis began his college career with a pair of seasons at Minnesota before ending it with two campaigns at Rutgers.

His passing yardage increased each year of his college career, allowing him to total 8,604 passing yards with 55 touchdowns compared to 27 interceptions.

He also ran for 459 yards and 10 TDs in his college career.

Kaliakmanis had a strong 2025 season. He completed a career-high 62.2% of his passes for a career-high 3,124 yards and a career-high 20 touchdowns. He threw seven interceptions.

He measures up at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, which is great QB size.

He wouldn't be drafted with any expectation to ever start. The hope would be that Kaliakmanis could become an ideal QB2 behind Burrow.

There are other options in the draft and in free agency, too, but it's fascinating to see the Bengals taking a long look at this guy.

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