The Cincinnati Bengals have been to the playoffs over the past two seasons and are pretty set at quarterback with Andy Dalton, but the team was interested in finding a new backup quarterback, which could turn their interest towards Matt Flynn since Ryan Fitzpatrick signed with the Tennessee Titans.
According to NFL.com, Fitzpatrick met with the Bengals and head coach Marvin Lewis before signing with the Tennessee Titans, as the team had been looking for a backup quarterback behind Andy Dalton after Bruce Gradkowski left in free agency to the Steelers. According to ESPN.com, sources said that Fitzpatrick signed a two-year deal with the team and could get a chance to start if Locker struggles.
Fitzpatrick is coming off of two disappointing seasons since signing a six-year, $59 million contract extension in 2011 and went just 20-33 as a starter with the Bills. Buffalo released the quarterback after another down year and also parted ways with Matt Hasselbeck, who is now with the Indianapolis Colts after they lost Drew Stanton.
Fitzpatrick started his career with the Bengals as a backup before starting with the Bills and the team was interested in bringing him back as a backup for Dalton, who has been excellent as a starter for Cincinnati since being drafted. The NFL report said that Mike Brown had "high regard" for Fitzpatrick, but obviously they can't bring him back now.
The Bengals made the playoffs and lost to the Texans in each of the past two seasons and last year the team ranked 17th in passing offense, while Dalton passed for 3,669 yards and 27 touchdowns in another solid season after throwing for 3,398 yards and 20 touchdowns his rookie year.
Flynn could be the perfect backup for the Bengals, as he is not too pricy and the team has enough space to add him. Flynn originally thought he could start in Seattle after signing a three-year, $19.5-million deal, but Russell Wilson beat him out and then led the team to the playoffs with an 11-5 record.
Flynn has played well when he has had the chance, including while with the Packers when he threw for over 470 yards and six touchdowns in a win while starting for Aaron Rodgers. The Seahawks might be willing to trade him for a pick since they lost some of their draft choices in the deal for Percy Harvin, but the Bengals may want to keep their choices for more value.
The Bengals need a solid backup for Dalton in case he gets injured and in the past they have been unprepared at times, including when Carson Palmer suffered a serious injury when the team made the playoffs. Flynn has shown he can be a good teammate and could be a solid addition for the Bengals. Kevin Kolb could also be an option, as he was released by the Arizona Cardinals, although the Jets have shown some interest in him as a starter.
