CINCINNATI (WXIX) - The Bengals have made a trade to get quarterback Joe Flacco, the team announced Tuesday.
Along with Flacco, the Bengals are getting a 6th round draft pick from the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throws during a football game against the Green...
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throws during a football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)(Kareem Elgazzar | AP)
Cincinnati is sending a 5th round pick to Cleveland in exchange.
“Joe is an experienced quarterback with a history of winning,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “He is a leader with a skill set that will fit our personnel well. He is a gifted passer with a strong arm, and we are excited to have him on our team.”
The Bengals have been on the phone with teams for the last 48 hours exploring possible trades, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
One quarterback Cincinnati was not looking at was New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson, FOX19 NOW’s Jeremy Rauch confirms.
Cincinnati also announced they released quarterback Brett Rypien.
Flacco, who turns 41 in three months, was the Browns’ starter for their first four games of the season.
Cleveland benched Flacco heading into Week 5 in favor of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
While Flacco’s best years are likely behind him, he comes to Cincinnati with a lot of experience, specifically AFC North experience.
Drafted No. 18 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Flacco spent his first 11 seasons in the Bengals’ division.
Flacco has spent two of his last three seasons in the AFC North and with the Bengals having five division games remaining this season, his knowledge of the teams in the division could be useful.
It is unclear how soon Flacco will be ready to play, let alone possibly start, for the Bengals.
Jake Browning, who took over the starting quarterback role after Joe Burrow went on the Injured Reserve (IR) list, has struggled.
Following three straight losses, fans have wondered if it is time for Zac Taylor to make a starting quarterback change.
Coach Taylor was asked Monday about whether Browning will start this week in Green Bay.
The head coach responded, “We’ll see how it goes.”
Bengals fans might not have to wait long to see their new quarterback play.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Bengals hope Flacco can be ready to play Sunday against the Packers.
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