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Bengals Reach Verbal Agreement With Ex-Steelers 10-Time Pro Bowl to Replace Injured Joe Burrow

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Cincinnati, OH – October 1, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals have moved quickly to stabilize their season, reaching a verbal agreement with a veteran quarterback to join the team in the wake of Joe Burrow’s devastating injury.

Burrow is expected to miss roughly three months following surgery, leaving the Bengals desperate for a proven passer. With Jake Browning struggling to carry the offense, Cincinnati’s front office identified experience and leadership as the ideal stopgap to steady a shaken roster.

That agreement — not yet finalized but described by sources as “imminent” — is for a one-time Super Bowl champion and perennial Pro Bowler, a signal that the Bengals are not willing to let their season slip away. The move reflects urgency, ambition, and a clear belief that this veteran still has something left to give.

That quarterback is Russell Wilson, the ex-Steelers starter and 10-time Pro Bowler, who now finds himself set to wear black and orange. After a turbulent exit from Pittsburgh, Wilson gets a chance at redemption while stepping in as Burrow’s replacement. His career résumé includes over 43,000 passing yards, 334 touchdowns, and a Super Bowl victory — experience the Bengals hope can keep their playoff hopes alive.

Wilson has a history with Cincinnati. In 2024, he shredded the Bengals’ secondary for 414 yards and three touchdowns, a reminder of the kind of spark he can still deliver. Now, he’ll be asked to replicate that magic not as an opponent, but as their leader.

Critics caution the Bengals’ issues run deeper than quarterback play — the defense ranks near the bottom of the league, and the run game has been nearly nonexistent. Still, Wilson’s arrival offers hope, stability, and leadership for a roster in need of all three.

 

For the Bengals, it’s about survival in a brutal AFC North. For Wilson, it’s a shot at proving he still belongs among the league’s elite. For fans, it’s the storyline no one expected: Cincinnati turning to a former rival to save their season.

Stay tuned to ESPN.

Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."