Back in the offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars cut ties with several players they brought in during the Trent Baalke era. Many of them went on to find new homes, but some others remain unsigned ahead of training camp. One of them recently got a chance to showcase his talent but will need to keep looking for a new team.
Howard Balzer of USA TODAY Sports broke the news that C.J. Beathard worked out for the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of training camp but ultimately didn't lead to a job offer. Instead, fellow quarterback Desmond Ridder got the nod. Other outlets later confirmed the news.
Beathard was part of a workout in which the Bengals also kicked the tires on former Jaguars defensive tackle Taven Bryan. Unlike his former teammate, though, the 2018 first-round pick did sign with Cincy.
A third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard signed with the Jags in 2021. Although he had a positive influence on Trevor Lawrence and helped him prepare for game day, he hardly got any playing time, logging just one start and 66 pass attempts.
Beathard's lone start came against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 of the 2023 season. He tumbled down the depth chart the following year when the Jags traded for Mac Jones. Compounding the issue is that the former Iowa Hawkeye dealt with a groin injury. The team released him with an injury settlement but brought him back when Trevor Lawrence suffered injuries of his own.
In the end, Beathard didn't play a snap in 2024 and walked in free agency. Aside from the workout he had with the Bengals, he hasn't had any other offers.
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Why former Jaguars QB CJ Beathard will eventually land on his feet
At this point of his career, C.J. Beathard is not more than a backup quarterback. Heck, he may have already entered the journeyman stage. That said, he should still find several opportunities in the upcoming years.
After all, the demand for quarterbacks outweighs the supply, and in a league where former Jaguars draft bust Blaine Gabbert keeps getting chances, a team in need of help at the position will eventually give Beathard a call.
Granted, Beathard probably won't start any games any time soon, but he could join a club as an emergency quarterback. There's a market for that kind of signal-caller, and it wouldn't be shocking to see him sign if a club suffers an injury at the position.
In fact, the Jaguars could be a legitimate spot if the injury bug strikes because of his familiarity with the team. Ideally, though, they'll want to be a healthy as they can be, but Beathard would make sense as a reserve if Nick Mullens or Trevor Lawrence * knocks on wood * misses time.
The bottom line is that there's no room for C.J. Beathard in Jacksonville, but it may be a matter of time before he gets a chance with another club.