Bengals had “good” meeting with QB Jacob Clark

FRISCO, TX - DECEMBER 18: Missouri State Bears quarterback Jacob Clark (12) drops back to pass in the Xbox Bowl between the Missouri State Bears and the Arkansas State Red Wolves on December 18, 2025 at The Ford Center in Frisco, TX (Photo by John Bunch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury last year derailed the Cincinnati Bengals’ season.

Joe Flacco filled in admirably, but by the time he came to town, Cincinnati was already in a big hole.

The Bengals could now be looking to draft a potential long-term answer at backup quarterback.

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Missouri State QB Jacob Clark said that he met with 10-12 NFL teams at the American Bowl. “I had some really good conversations down there,” he said. “I had good meetings with the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins. Those stood out to me.”

Clark has gotten the attention of NFL scouts since finishing his college career with 3,244 yards and 28 touchdown passes against solid competition in the Missouri Valley conference. He would likely be a late round selection due to his low upside.

A fun fact about Clark is that he was Jaxson Smith-Njigba’s high school QB at Rockwell High School in Texas, and he could tell that last season’s offensive player of the year was going to be a star in the pros back when they played together as teenagers.

Strengths: According to NFL Draft analyst John Vogel, Clark “makes some really good throws knowing he’s about to be hit.” He also has good arm strength, good velocity, and he navigates the pocket well.

Steelers Depot also has a scouting report on Clark, and they add that he has “prototypical size with big hands”. He’s mentally tough and experienced. He throws a catchable ball, has quick release, and stands tall in the pocket.

Weaknesses: Vogel points out that Clark doesn’t throw very well when on the run. Steelers Depot went so far as to call him a “sitting duck” in the pocket. They added that his accuracy goes down under pressure, he has a weak arm, and he struggles to drive the ball.

If the Bengals do decide to pursue Clark, it will likely be to have someone who can quickly learn the offense and provide temporary relief in case both Burrow and Flacco go down.