The Cincinnati Bengals have secured quarterback Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, addressing their urgent quarterback situation. According to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter, the Bengals will also receive a sixth-round draft pick, while the Browns acquire a fifth-round pick in return.
Cincinnati’s decision comes after franchise quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in Week 2, leaving the team in search of stability under center. Jake Browning, who stepped in for Burrow, has struggled significantly, throwing eight interceptions over four games, including three starts. The Bengals have faced mounting challenges, losing three consecutive games and being outscored 113-37 during this stretch.
In the aftermath of this losing streak, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor remained uncertain about Browning’s future as the starter. After the latest defeat, a 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions, Taylor acknowledged the need to evaluate all personnel decisions, citing the “amount of turnovers that we had” as a valid reason for speculation regarding Browning’s role.
Flacco, now 40 years old, has a history of invigorating offenses. He was named the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2023 after a strong five-game run with the Browns, leading them to a 4-1 record. During that period, Flacco passed for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns after stepping in for the injured Deshaun Watson. His success with the Browns secured the team an unexpected playoff berth.
Prior to his time in Cleveland, Flacco had a productive, though inconsistent, stint with the Indianapolis Colts, where he completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,761 yards and 12 touchdowns across eight games, including six starts. The Browns had brought Flacco back this offseason to provide veteran leadership alongside rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
With Flacco’s departure, it remains to be seen how the Browns will adjust their quarterback lineup. Sanders could potentially be elevated to the backup position behind Gabriel, as he has served as the emergency third-string quarterback through the first five games of the season.
As the Bengals work to turn their season around, the arrival of Flacco may provide the spark they need to regain their footing in the competitive AFC North division. The trade signals a new chapter for both franchises as they navigate through injuries and roster adjustments.
