Bengals Acquire Joe Flacco from Browns in QB Swap, Browns Boost Draft Capital
CINCINNATI & CLEVELAND – in a flurry of activity signaling desperation in Cincinnati and a pragmatic outlook in Cleveland, the Bengals and Browns have agreed to a trade sending veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Bengals in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick, originally acquired from the Rams. The move comes as both teams grapple with quarterback uncertainty and divergent paths forward.
The Bengals, reeling from a 1-4 start and struggling performances from starter Jake Browning, are hoping the 40-year-old Flacco can stabilize their offense while Joe Burrow recovers from a wrist injury expected to keep him sidelined until December. Browning has been a shadow of his 2023 self, completing 64.5 percent of his passes for 757 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions in four appearances this season.The Bengals suffered three consecutive losses in Browning’s starts against the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Detroit Lions, totaling a 76-point deficit.
“Coach Zac Taylor alluded to a potential QB change Sunday afternoon, and he wasn’t kidding,” The Athletic reported. With only Brett Rypien and practice squad member Sean Clifford behind Browning on the depth chart, the Bengals turned to a familiar face in Flacco.
Flacco, who enjoyed a brief resurgence with the Browns late in the 2023 season, had struggled this year, leading to his benching in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel last week. He was also previously with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, where he was considered mediocre at best. Despite thes recent struggles, the Bengals beleive Flacco’s experience and professionalism can provide a temporary solution.
“Flacco is a true pro who will provide a steadying veteran presence,” analysts noted. “He should be able to pick up Taylor’s coaching points relatively quickly. Also,’just throw it to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins’ would be advice worth heeding.”
However, expectations are tempered. Flacco holds a 6-21 record in his post-Baltimore Ravens career outside of his successful 2023 stint. The bengals’ offensive line remains a concern, potentially hindering Flacco’s effectiveness.
For the Browns, the trade represents a low-risk, high-reward chance to improve their draft position. Having already moved on from Flacco in favor of Gabriel and with fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders also in the quarterback room, the Browns saw the trade as “free money,” improving their draft stock by an estimated round and a half.
“It’s a good trade for the Browns,” one assessment stated. “Flacco was no longer in their plans…Turn the pick into a quality player, and we’ll talk again.”
The move also accelerates the timeline for Sanders, placing him one step closer to potentially making his NFL debut. The Browns, currently 1-4 and facing long-term cap challenges due to Deshaun Watson’s contract, are increasingly focused on building for the future.
