In an unexpected turn, quarterback Joe Flacco joins the Cincinnati Bengals, generating a buzz in the NFL. Coach Zac Taylor gave him a direct welcome to the team, with the news that Flacco would be the starter for next Sunday. Flacco’s arrival was finalized after a strategic trade on Tuesday, where the Bengals gave up a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft to the Cleveland Browns, in exchange for Flacco and a sixth-round pick in the same draft. On Wednesday, Flacco was already showing off his new number, number 16, and was preparing for his debut against the Green Bay Packers. “He will take all the reps and be ready to play,” Taylor said. Flacco already faced the Packers in Week 3, when he played for the Browns, a game that Cleveland won. The Packers did not expect to see Flacco again so soon. Packers quarterback Jordan Love commented that he did not expect this reunion. The Packers will face Flacco twice in three games.
Packers’ defenders could analyze Flacco’s game against the Browns for valuable information. In Week 1 of this season, Flacco played against the Bengals, completing 31 of 45 passes for 290 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, in a game that the Browns lost 17-16. The change in quarterback position comes after the performance of Jake Browning, who struggled in the absence of Joe Burrow, currently on the injured list for a foot injury. Browning will return to being the backup, while Sean Clifford will take the reserve position on the practice squad.“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the same quarterback on a different team, other than a division game. So it will be interesting,” commented Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
Matt LaFleur, Packers Coach
The Bengals’ general manager, Duke Tobin, was the one who informed Taylor about the possibility of signing Flacco. Taylor approved the decision and they took care of moving Flacco to Cincinnati immediately. The recent experience of Flacco playing against the Packers could be a benefit for the Bengals.“You’re going to be replaced. That’s what I’m going through. The general theme for me is that anyone going through some adversity, whether it’s football or personal things, if you go through it and handle it the right way, there’s no way you don’t come out the other side being a better version of who you are”, said Browning.
Jake Browning, Bengals Quarterback
Flacco will not speak to the media until Friday, as he prepares for his debut with the Bengals. Taylor has not given a date for Burrow’s return, but hopes Flacco will boost the team to keep them in the playoff hunt.“At least the advantage we have with the incorporation of Joe Flacco here specifically is that he has watched videos for a week. He has played this game. He will still need to do the same, because they played two games since then, but at the same time, at least it’s in the back of his mind,” said Taylor.
Zac Taylor, Bengals Coach
“Our number one focus is to win every game we can and make the playoffs and go far in the playoffs. That’s our 100% focus, regardless of who our quarterback is. That’s what we’re trying to do,” Taylor concluded.
Zac Taylor, Bengals Coach
