Tomlin Surprised by Flacco Trade: Strange Browns Move?

Mike Tomlin Surprised by Joe Flacco Trade

In an unusual statement, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin expressed his surprise at the decision of the Cleveland Browns and their general manager, Andrew Berry, to trade quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals mid-season.

“To be honest, I was surprised,” Tomlin stated. “Andrew Berry must be much smarter than me or us, because it doesn’t make sense to me to trade a quarterback you consider good enough to be your starter on opening day, to a division opponent who is suffering in that area, but those are just my personal feelings.”

Mike Tomlin, Steelers coach

Tomlin’s comments, known for his usual caution when criticizing other teams, were a surprise. These arose a day after the Steelers beat the Browns and rookie Dillon Gabriel by a score of 23-9, and only three days before facing the Bengals in a prime-time game.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said on Monday that he found it “surprising” that the Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals, AFC North rivals.The Browns’ move involved 40-year-old Flacco, who had been the starter in the first four games of the season after signing a one-year contract as a free agent. In return, Cleveland received a fifth-round pick in 2026. The Bengals, for their part, added Flacco to replace Jake Browning, who had struggled after Joe Burrow’s injury. Although Tomlin questioned Cleveland’s decision, he acknowledged that it was a good move for Cincinnati.

“It certainly makes sense from Cincinnati’s perspective,” Tomlin said. “… He can throw the ball, and he’s always been able to throw the ball: arm strength, arm accuracy, anticipatory passer, fluid movement through progressions. That’s always been his game.”

Mike Tomlin, Steelers coach

Juan Thornhill, Steelers player, also reacted to the trade, stating that he was not surprised and that the Ohio team had already ended Flacco’s time. Tomlin recalled Flacco’s impact in the past, mentioning the game in which Flacco replaced Anthony Richardson Sr. of the Indianapolis Colts and led the victory over the Steelers. He also praised Flacco’s performance in his first game with the Bengals, where he threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. “On the offensive side, the story is Joe Flacco, and it’s reasonable to expect him to be significantly better in Week 2 [as a Bengal],” Tomlin said. “… I imagine they worked hard a week ago on developing rhythm and cohesion. I imagine he’s taken a significant step after having done it under some live football circumstances. I saw him make some anticipatory throws even last week, and I thought he was significantly better as the game went on. “Certainly, we have a full week of work ahead of us in terms of minimizing a veteran, crafty, and talented pitcher like him, along with the eligibles they have, and that certainly gets our attention.” Flacco has a 10-11 record as a starter against Tomlin, with a QBR of 59.3. He has completed 61% of his passes with 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In addition, he has been sacked 56 times by Tomlin’s defenses.