CINCINNATI (WXIX) - It is official - Joe Flacco is back with the Bengals for the 2026 season on a one-year deal.
The 41-year-old quarterback said choosing to come back to Cincinnati was in large part because of how last season went with the Bengals.
Flacco, who is going into his 19th NFL season, described how well he meshed with the Bengals players, staff, and coaches, in particular Zac Taylor.
The veteran quarterback said he spoke with Taylor multiple times leading up to his decision to re-sign.
“When you feel wanted, it makes it easier to make the decision,” Flacco said. “It’s a close-knit group of guys. Anytime you’re in a locker room like that, it can hit you a certain way.”
Flacco said he did consider other opportunities in the league, but ultimately, the “biggest part of why he came back to the Bengals is the chance to be on a team that can win and have a great season.
Is Joe Flacco happy to he a backup?
“I’m very happy to be here. But - this isn’t the end. I can help a team win. Teams are dumb for not letting me be that guy.”
Said he’s still a little “pissed off” by that as a competitive guy. #Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/r7oGUJsALy
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) March 25, 2026
Despite being 41 and with nearly two decades of NFL experience, Flacco emphasized that he does not think this is the end for him.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Flacco said. “But, this isn’t the end. I can help a team win. Teams are dumb for not letting me be that guy.”
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