Jason Campbell Joins Cincinnati Bengals

Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jason Campbell (17) warms up on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While Cincinnati was fixated on the NCAA Tournament the Cincinnati Bengals made a free agent signing on Wednesday. Veteran journeyman quarterback Jason Campbell joined the Bengals as Andy Dalton’s backup.

Campbell comes to Cincinnati after spending the 2013 season with the Cleveland Browns. He has played for four teams before joining the Bengals. Campbell was drafted with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He played for the Redskins from 2006-2009 before being traded to the Oakland Raiders for the 2010 season. Campbell then played in Oakland for two seasons before being the back up to Jay Cutler in Chicago for the 2012 season.

Campbell has had an up and down career, he started every game in the 2008 and 2009 seasons. 2009 was his banner season, 3,618 passing yards, 64.5% completion percentage, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Campbell did commit 24 turnovers that season, a career high.

Coming to Cincinnati reunites him with former head coach Hue Jackson who was Campbell’s coach while he was in Oakland. Campbell has said he is excited to be reunited with his former coach because Jackson knows how to “spread the field.”

Andy Dalton struggled last season prompting many fans to call for Dalton to be traded. Signing Campbell may not be the move the fans wanted but if Dalton does struggle or get hurt the Bengals have a competitive quarterback to fall back on.