The Cincinnati Bengals could still address the quarterback position this offseason after signing journeyman Josh Johnson, who is currently expected to be the backup. Jake Browning, who spent most of the past three seasons backing up Joe Burrow, became an unrestricted free agent after the Bengals declined to place a restricted free agent tender and later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco remains a free agent and prefers to compete for a starting job with the next team.
Flacco began 2025 as Cleveland’s starter for the first four games before losing the starting job and being traded to Cincinnati in October. He put together a strong 18th season, throwing for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns, and ten interceptions, finishing with a 2-10 record across 13 games, while earning his first Pro Bowl selection as a replacement.
Cincinnati Bengals deliver massive news for 41-year-old Pro Bowler
Atlanta Falcons, Joe Flacco, NFL
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) passes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport, the Bengals have re-signed Joe Flacco to a one-year, $6 million contract with a maximum value of $9 million. As a result, the one-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl MVP will return to Cincinnati for his 19th season in the NFL with a full offseason to memorize the playbook rather than just a few days. Flacco is expected to serve as Joe Burrow’s backup, while Josh Johnson falls to the third-string.
It’s a 1-year deal worth $6M and $3M more available in incentives. https://t.co/bc3B4NBlfW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2026
Fans react to the news
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals fans showed up to show their support for the team and throw their last tailgate party of the season on Jan. 7, 2024. . 2023 Fan of the year, Tony Da Tiger close up shot.
Solid move by Cincy. $6M base + incentives is a bargain for that kind of reliability.
— Oluborode James (@james_oluborode) March 24, 2026
$6M for maybe the best backup QB in the NFL is a steal. the incentives are the fun part tho… $3M extra means if Burrow goes down and Flacco starts 4-5 games he’s making starter money. Bengals basically bought Burrow insurance at a discount
— Ben (@jt_martin) March 24, 2026
Best news I’ve heard from us! LFG!
— BengalsJ (@Bengals_J) March 24, 2026
The best insurance policy in the league. Burrow is the engine, but Flacco is the guy you want holding the map if things get bumpy. Smart move for Cincy.
— Efe Okor (@efeokor) March 24, 2026
Flacco just refuses to retire… man’s gonna be 50 still signing 1-year deals
— Matt (@MattPicks_) March 24, 2026
This is great news to me! He did a great job while Burrow was out last season! Go Bengals! WHO-DEY!
— Aaron Dibert (@dibert_aaron) March 24, 2026
Great News. Bound to get game time as Burrow can’t stay healthy
— Victor Odeh (@meekrose) March 24, 2026
Also Read: Cincinnati Bengals Bring Back Veteran Quarterback Josh Johnson for a Third Stint