Bengals acquire QB Skelton
The Cincinnati Bengals claimed quarterback John Skelton off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals, providing a new backup option.
"We're glad to add John to cultivate a competitive situation behind Andy Dalton," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "He's a young player (age 25), but he has had valuable experience starting and leading a team in the NFL."
The Cardinals no longer needed Skelton after acquiring Carson Palmer this week from the Oakland Raiders. Palmer began his career with the Bengals.
Arizona waived Skelton on Tuesday.
"Talking to my agent, being as young as I am and having as much experience that I do, we kind of felt like we were going to get claimed," Skelton said on a conference call. "We weren't sure by who or when. He called me just about an hour ago and gave me the news, and I was excited about it. I think Cincinnati out of all the places I could have ended up is one of the better ones and one I am excited to be a part of."
In three seasons with the Cardinals, Skelton appeared in 20 games, going 8-9 in 17 starts, including 1-5 in 2012. He has completed 320 of 602 career passes (53.2 percent) for 3,707 yards, throwing 15 touchdown passes and 25 interceptions.
The Bengals also announced they re-signed linebacker Vincent Rey, who received an exclusive-rights tender.
Rey, primarily a special teams player, had 22 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed last season.
