The Cincinnati Bengals have traded with the Cleveland Browns for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, hoping to stabilize their offense after three straight losses in the absence of injured star Joe Burrow. In exchange, the Bengals sent a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Browns and will receive Flacco plus a 2025 sixth-round selection, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Trade Details and Context
The trade was finalized just days after Bengals head coach Zac Taylor declined to guarantee Jake Browning’s status as starter (Sports Illustrated). Cincinnati, struggling with a 2-3 record and no clear path forward at quarterback, acted decisively following Browning’s recent struggles, which included eight interceptions across his starts (Fox Sports). Flacco, a seasoned signal-caller with playoff experience, is expected to compete for the starting job immediately as the Bengals push to remain relevant in the AFC North.
As per reports, the Bengals receive:
Joe Flacco (QB)
2025 Sixth-Round Draft Pick
The Browns receive:
2025 Fifth-Round Draft Pick
Recent Bengals and Browns Performance
Joe Burrow’s injury in Week 2 has derailed the Bengals’ season, with the team losing three straight games since (ESPN). Jake Browning’s inconsistency heightened the urgency, prompting Cincinnati’s front office to seek stability under center.
The Browns, meanwhile, decided to bench Flacco after four starts this season in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, signaling a commitment to developing young talent and reshuffling their quarterback depth chart. (Reuters)
Key AFC North Standings
| Team | Record | QB Situation | Recent Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengals | 2-3 | Joe Flacco added | Lost 3 straight without Burrow |
| Browns | 3-2 | Dillon Gabriel/Sanders | Moved on from Flacco |
| Ravens | 4-1 | Lamar Jackson | Division leaders |
| Steelers | 2-3 | Kenny Pickett | Chasing the wild card |
Joe Flacco’s 2025 Season Stats (with Browns)
| Games Played | Yards | TD | INT | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 815 | 2 | 6 | 58.1 |
Game & Trade Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | Joe Burrow suffers toe injury |
| Post Wk 2 | Bengals lose 3 straight; Jake Browning throws 8 INT across starts |
| Oct 7, 2025 | Trade finalized: Flacco & 6th-round pick to Bengals; 5th-round pick to Browns |
Unique Insights
When word got out that Flacco was coming to Cincinnati, the locker room was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The AFC North is very close, so this decision is considered as a prudent gamble. It puts the season’s fate in the hands of a veteran who has done well under pressure before. Browns fans, on the other hand, are getting ready for a new era as they focus on developing Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Conclusion
The Joe Flacco trade signals urgency and a win-now attitude for the Bengals as they scramble to rescue their season. For the Browns, it’s a strategic pivot toward youth on their depth chart. With the AFC North as competitive as ever, all attention shifts to how swiftly Flacco can mesh with his new teammates and whether this move will shift the divisional balance in the pivotal weeks ahead.
