The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed Joe Flacco this off-season. They also obviously employ Joe Burrow at the quarterback position.
That hasn’t stopped them from doing their homework on QBs in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They are reportedly meeting with a Big Ten QB with almost 6,000 career passing yards this Wednesday.
Bengals Meeting With QB Athan Kaliakmanis Day Before the 2026 NFL Draft
GettyCOLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights seen in action during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
The report comes from Aaron Wilson on X, whom provides sports coverage for KPRC2.
“Rutgers quarterback, and @GopherFootball transfer Athan Kaliakmanis visits #Commanders today, #Bengals on Wednesday, per league source.
Had a Zoom meeting with #Broncos had formals with #Raiders and #Bengals. Plus, #Bears #Giants, and #Eagles local prospect days Passed for 8,604 career yards, 55 touchdown, 27 interceptions.”
Consider a snippet from CBS Sports on Kaliakmanis.
“Kaliakmanis won’t wow you, but he won’t lose you games either. Since leaving Minnesota for Rutgers, he’s completed 67% for nearly 1,400 yards with a clean 9-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Average arm, average athleticism, but he knows who he is. Gets the ball out on time, makes smart reads, doesn’t overextend.
The “Greek Rifle” is in the Nick Mullens bucket as steady backup material. Not flashy, but teams like guys they can trust in a pinch.”
Kaliakmanis isn’t a guarantee to be drafted, yet the Bengals may look to bring him in as a UDFA.
Cincinnati’s ‘Dream’ 2026 NFL Draft Scenario
GettyJoe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the third quarter of a game against the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently revealed his list of dream draft scenarios for every NFL team. For the Bengals, it’s a pretty simple one.
“Everyone focuses on positional value in the first nine picks, leaving our No. 1 prospect, Caleb Downs, for the taking. Landing the Buckeye would be a dream scenario for a defense that is in desperate need of a young star to build around.”
It makes all of the sense in the world. The Bengals need safety even with the acquisition of Bryan Cook from the Chiefs. Downs has also played 2 years of football in Ohio with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Downs is seen as a “can’t miss” prospect, but his position as a safety brings him a bit down draft boards. It’s still extremely likely that Downs is gone at 10th overall, but if he’s available, then expect the Bengals’ selection to be made very quickly.
Bengals Meeting With 8,000 Yard QB Day Before 2026 NFL Draft