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Cincinnati Bengals Execute Rare Trade for Former Super Bowl Champion QB
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- Cincinnati Bengals Execute Rare Trade for Former Super Bowl Champion QB
Zac Taylor tried to warn us that a quarterback change could be coming to the Cincinnati Bengals . Yet, many didn't think this franchise could pull it off, as they rarely part with extra draft or financial compensation via trade. The craziest part about Cincinnati's trade is that they've executed a deal with a division rival in the middle of the season, which is rare to say the least.
Nevertheless, the Bengals have traded a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Joe Flacco . The Bengals also got a sixth-round pick in return from Cleveland.
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Joe Flacco stats ( 2025 ): 58.1% comp. rate, 815 yards, 2 TD, 6 INT
Ironically, while Jake Browning hasn't played well, one could argue that Flacco isn't much of an upgrade, if at all. Consider that Browning and Flacco are the only two NFL quarterbacks with a TD rate under 5% + and an INT rate above 3%. Basically, they don't find the end zone often, and their passes often end up in the defender's arms. Neither of those traits is one that any football team seeks.
Flacco lost his starting job prior to Week 5, leading to Browns rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel making his first start. Gabriel didn't win, but he did enough to inspire confidence in his ability to do the job. Meanwhile, this leaves the Browns without a veteran quarterback in the locker room, but it's possible Deshaun Watson is nearing a return.
Otherwise, it's just fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders plus Gabriel in the Browns' QB room, but they do have Bailey Zappe on the practice squad. Tyler Huntley , who spent part of the preseason in Cleveland, is now on the Baltimore Ravens ' practice squad, but the Browns could try signing him to their active roster if they feel it's necessary. It's probably not unless an injury occurs.
Flacco may not inspire much confidence, but he is a former Super Bowl winner who brings 195 NFL starts to the table. He can still get the ball downfield, if he has time (big if in Cincinnati). Yet, all he has to do is weather the storm until Joe Burrow returns, and chances are he'll be more equipped to do so than Browning was.
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