Why the Bengals Should Trade for Jameis Winston After Joe Burrow’s Injury

The Cincinnati Bengals learned that Joe Burrow will be out for three months due to a turf toe injury suffered in Week 2’s victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While Jake Browning is a capable backup who quarterbacked the Bengals to a victory in replacement of Burrow on Sunday, he just might have enough wind in his sails to overcome how bad Cincinnati’s defense can be at times.

That’s why the Bengals should trade with the New York Giants for Jameis Winston.

Winston is currently the third quarterback on the New York Giants’ depth chart behind starter Russell Wilson and rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart, who is listed as the backup.

If Wilson were to go down or be replaced, the Giants would likely turn the keys of the franchise over to Dart before entertaining Winston.

At 31 years old, Winston gives the Bengals their best chance at keeping hopes alive for the NFL Playoffs.

The Bengals are 2-0, which gives them a nice little cushion, but you can’t take games for granted in the AFC North.

Moreso, the Bengals can’t necessarily afford to punt on the season.

Burrow’s injury sidelining him for three months will rule him out until around Christmas time.

The Bengals uncharacteristically paid Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins who could now rot away without a real quarterback. After a long offseason of contract disputes, the Bengals got crafty and brought back edge rusher Trey Hendrickson on a one-year deal.

That’s all for not if the Bengals are already out of contention by the time mid-December comes around.

While Winston is not a starting quarterback in the league because the Lord did not deliver him from interceptions despite public prayers, he would make Cincinnati football fun without Burrow.

Winston would undoubtedly keep Chase and Higgins involved, which is the identity that the Bengals have built their entire team around.

Winston started seven games last season for the Browns when Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles. He was light years better than Watson, winning two of Cleveland’s three victories last season while throwing 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions along the way.

But without Winston, Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy would not have had the best season of his career, where he eclipsed 1,200 yards. In two games to start the 2025 season, Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has not been able to connect with Jeudy the same way that Winston was.

A trade for Winston would not cost the Bengals very much. A late round draft pick?

As chaotic as Winston might be, the former No. 1 overall pick could give Cincinnati the most realistic shot at staying alive long enough for Burrow to get healthy.