As the Cleveland Browns were already dealing with their quarterback crisis, a former star player’s return has increased competition in the upcoming season. 

At 41, Joe Flacco has signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals after a short but respectable stint with the team. NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the development in an X post on Wednesday. 

“Free-agent QB Joe Flacco has agreed to a 1-year deal with the Bengals, per @JLSports3,” he wrote.

Flacco began the 2025 season with the Browns, but the Bengals acquired him in a trade after giving away a fifth-round pick. He filled in for Bengals’ star quarterback Joe Burrow, who was absent in six games due to a toe injury.

The veteran did well, completing 61.7% of his passes, out of which 13 were touchdowns, and 4 were interceptions, for 1,664 yards. The Bengals still went 1-5 with Flacco as their starter and eventually ended the season with 6-11 and a third-place finish in the AFC North. 

Flacco is truly in the journeyman phase of his career. The Bengals will be his fourth different team in the last five years. With his arrival, the Cincinnati side looks settled in the QB position.

While Burrow is expected to start the season, Flacco can provide a good backup and stability. The AFC North dynamics just got more exciting ahead of the upcoming season, considering the veteran has played for 3 teams of the group.

Flacco’s Had an Illutrious Career, but Does His Future without the Browns Look Like

Joe Flacco's performance caught attention as he earned the first Pro Bowl invite of his career and another year in the league.

When speculation about his retirement spiked last year, Flacco maintained silence but spoke about free agency.

“I think that as your career goes on, you gain a certain perspective of finding value in some different things. I think being in a good organization with a bunch of teammates that you enjoy being around and a bunch of coaches that you enjoy being around, kind of all partaking in that decision,” he said. 

The former Super Bowl MVP has always set his eyes on winning since he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2008. He has also played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and the Indianapolis Colts. 

He first joined the Browns in 2023; the third time they ever made it to the playoffs. Flacco threw 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions for 1,616 yards that season and returned in 2025.

In the upcoming season, he expected to retake his place as Burrow’s backup. The franchise has suffered due to Burrow’s nagging injuries and started slowly, resulting in lackluster seasons.

But would that change now? What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Kalp Thaker