5 Best Quarterbacks in Cincinnati Bengals History

Palmer’s seven years in Cincinnati are fascinating because of the narrative that he never stayed healthy, yet he only missed significant time in one season; an elbow problem cost him all but four games in 2008.

Contrary to popular belief, Palmer didn’t play in 2003 because the Bengals essentially redshirted him, and the January 2006 knee injury didn’t keep him from playing all 16 games that next season.

By no means did Palmer meet the expectations that come with being a No. 1 pick, and he’ll arguably be remembered more for his time in Arizona.

He nonetheless cracks our list after throwing for nearly 23,000 yards, 154 touchdowns, and 100 interceptions during his Bengals career.

4. Joe Burrow (2020-Present)

This will definitely incite debate, and no one is disputing that Burrow is easily among the NFL’s top quarterbacks when healthy.

The problem, though, is that the 2020 No. 1 pick has missed significant time in three of his six seasons, and the Bengals haven’t reached the postseason since 2022 as a result.

Health is vital (pun not intended) when discussing context, and the Super Bowl LVI appearance isn’t enough to outweigh the numerous missed opportunities.

Fans love the idea of Burrow more than the reality of who he is: an immensely talented quarterback whose legacy will be defined by injuries rather than individual success. 

3. Andy Dalton (2011-2019)

It’s hard not to feel for Bengals fans, who have only reached the Super Bowl once despite having three legitimate franchise quarterbacks since the start of 2004.

Even at his best, Dalton was someone you’d typically list closer to No. 15 than you would No. 10, but he more than did enough to keep Cincinnati in the playoff hunt every year.

Dalton went 70-61-2 in nine years with the Bengals, leading them to playoff appearances in each of his first five seasons. However, Cincinnati infamously lost in the Wild Card Round every time, and he missed the 2015 loss to Pittsburgh with a thumb injury. 

Barring an unexpected return, Dalton ended his time in Cincinnati with nearly 31,600 yards, 204 touchdowns, and 118 interceptions. He’s all but guaranteed to earn a spot in the team’s Ring of Honor down the road. 

2. Boomer Esiason (1984-1992; 1997)

Initially, we had Dalton slotted here, but we’re going with Esiason.

Over his first nine seasons in Cincinnati, the 1984 second-round pick completed 56.2% of his passes for nearly 26,000 yards, 174 touchdowns, and 129 interceptions. The numbers aren’t as gaudy as Burrow’s or Dalton’s, but work with us. 

Esiason earned MVP and All-Pro honors in 1988, when he threw for 3,572 yards and 28 touchdowns on a 12-win Bengals team. Although Cincinnati led 16-13 with 3:10 left in the Super Bowl, the defense couldn’t stop Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and the 49ers from engineering a game-winning, 92-yard drive.

After stops with the Jets and Cardinals, Esiason returned to the Bengals in 1997 and looked sharp after replacing Jeff Blake midway through the year. Even at 36 years old, he threw for 1,478 yards, 13 touchdowns, and two interceptions over seven games and five starts.

1. Ken Anderson (1971-1986)

For now, Anderson remains the greatest quarterback in Bengals history, and it might be a bit longer before Burrow usurps that title.

The two-time All-Pro completed 59.3% of his passes for 32,838 yards, 197 touchdowns, and 160 interceptions over 16 seasons. Not too bad for a 1971 third-round pick and NAIA All-American.

Anderson was at his best in 1981, throwing for 29 touchdowns and earning MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. More importantly, Cincinnati reached its first Super Bowl that year, though the Bengals fell to Montana and the 49ers.

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