Cincinnati acquired quarterback Paul Justin from Indianapolis…
Cincinnati acquired quarterback Paul Justin from Indianapolis for a fifth-round pick in March 1998. Justin appeared in five games with three starts for the Bengals, throwing for 426 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Indianapolis used the 135th pick on linebacker Antony Jordan, who played 27 NFL games and made three starts. Both sides received modest depth value without a lasting starter.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- player Paul Justin
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1998 5th round pick (135th overall, Antony Jordan)
Trade Analysis
Why Cincinnati Added a Quarterback
The Bengals acquired Paul Justin from Indianapolis on March 26, 1998, giving up a fifth-round pick. Justin had started games for the Colts in each of the previous three seasons, so Cincinnati was purchasing experienced quarterback depth rather than taking a developmental gamble. Indianapolis was preparing to draft Peyton Manning first overall and had a clear reason to turn a surplus quarterback into another draft selection.
What Justin Produced in Cincinnati
Justin appeared in five games for the Bengals and started three. He completed 34 of 63 passes for 426 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, producing a 60.7 passer rating. Cincinnati lost all three of his starts. The numbers were not strong, but backup quarterback value is partly about having someone capable of entering the lineup when needed. Justin did provide that function before moving on to St. Louis in 1999.
What Indianapolis Got at No. 135
The Colts used the fifth-round choice on linebacker Antony Jordan. Jordan appeared in 15 games as a rookie and started three, then played 12 more games in 1999. His career totaled 27 games, three starts and modest defensive production. Like Justin, he was useful depth rather than a long-term foundational player. Indianapolis received inexpensive roster service, but the pick did not uncover a major contributor.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Cincinnati earns a C because Justin supplied emergency starting experience but little positive on-field production. Indianapolis also earns a C because Jordan gave the club two seasons of depth without developing into a significant starter. The exchange made roster sense for both teams at the time, and the eventual returns were similarly limited. There is not enough sustained football value on either side to justify declaring a winner.