The Cincinnati Bengals have bolstered their quarterback position by acquiring veteran Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns in a trade confirmed on October 7, 2025. This move comes as the Bengals aim to arrest a three-game losing streak after star QB Joe Burrow’s toe injury.
Trade Details and Context
The Bengals received Joe Flacco plus a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, sending a fifth-round pick to the Browns in return. The trade reflects Cincinnati’s urgent need for an experienced quarterback after Jake Browning’s struggles, including eight interceptions during his starts in their recent losing stretch.
Flacco started four games for Cleveland this season before being benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. In those starts, he threw for 815 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions with a 58.1% completion rate. The Browns are now emphasizing youth at quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders stepping into the backup role behind Gabriel.
This trade is a rare intra-division transaction between AFC North rivals.
Bengals and Browns 2025 AFC North Performance Overview
| Team | Record | QB Situation | Recent Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | 2-3 | Joe Flacco (new acquisition) | Lost 3 straight without Burrow |
| Cleveland | 3-2 | Dillon Gabriel/Shedeur Sanders | Flacco benched, youth focus |
| Baltimore | 4-1 | Lamar Jackson | Leading division |
| Pittsburgh | 2-3 | Kenny Pickett | Competitive wild card race |
Joe Flacco 2025 Stats (with Browns)
| Games Played | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 815 | 2 | 6 | 58.1% |
Trade and Game Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | Joe Burrow injured (toe) |
| Following | Bengals lose 3 straight; Browning throws 8 INTs |
| Oct 7, 2025 | Flacco trade announced to Bengals |
Summary and Implications
The acquisition of Joe Flacco injects experience and stability into a Bengals offense in turmoil. The veteran’s proven composure under pressure offers a vital boost as Cincinnati pushes to stay competitive in the AFC North. For the Browns, the trade underscores their pivot to youth at quarterback. The move could shift divisional dynamics and has meaningful implications for playoff positioning.
Cincinnati Bengals 2025 Remaining Schedule Highlights
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Oct 12 | Green Bay Packers | At Green Bay | CBS |
| 7 | Oct 16 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Home | Prime Video |
| 8 | Oct 26 | New York Jets | Home | CBS |
| 9 | Nov 2 | Chicago Bears | Home | CBS |
| 10 | Nov 9 | Bye Week | – | – |
| 11 | Nov 16 | Pittsburgh Steelers | At Pittsburgh | CBS |
| 12 | Nov 23 | New England Patriots | Home | CBS |
| 13 | Nov 27 | Baltimore Ravens | At Baltimore | NBC |
| 14 | Dec 7 | Buffalo Bills | At Buffalo | Fox |
| 15 | Dec 14 | Baltimore Ravens | Home | CBS |
| 16 | Dec 21 | Miami Dolphins | At Miami | NBC |
| 17 | Dec 27/28 | Arizona Cardinals | Home | TBD |
| 18 | Jan 4, 2026 | Cleveland Browns | Home | TBD |
Home vs. Away Breakdown
The Bengals have 9 home games and 8 road games in 2025 — a scheduling balance that could be crucial in divisional competition.
AFC North Divisional Matchups To Watch
-
- Week 1 @ Browns: season opener sets the tone
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Week 7 vs Steelers: first home divisional test
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Week 11 @ Steelers: critical road divisional battle
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Week 13 @ Ravens: challenging trip to division leader
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Week 15 vs Ravens: pivotal late-season division contest
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Week 18 vs Browns: potential playoff-influencing finale
Checkout;
Bengals’ 2025 NFL Season Schedule: Dates, Opponents, and TV Networks to Watch
