CINCINNATI — The Bengals know who they want as Carson Palmer's backup.

Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan was close to getting a multiyear deal from the Bengals on Thursday, said a person familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract wasn't completed.

Cincinnati would be O'Sullivan's ninth NFL team in the last eight years.

The 29-year-old quarterback was San Francisco's starter the first eight games last season. The 49ers signed veteran quarterback Damon Huard on Wednesday.

The Bengals need a backup because Ryan Fitzpatrick went to Buffalo as a free agent. At a news conference to introduce receiver Laveranues Coles on Thursday, coach Marvin Lewis said another deal was "imminent," an apparent reference to O'Sullivan.