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30m ago

Bengals Acquire Joe Flacco From Browns in Rare In-Division QB Trade

The deal signals Cincinnati's search for a short-term starter following Jake Browning's struggles.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 28: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks on against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Ford Field on September 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 07: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns embrace after the game during the game at Huntington Bank Field on September 07, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Cincinnati agreed to acquire Joe Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick from Cleveland for a 2026 fifth-rounder, a swap the Browns and multiple outlets said is pending a physical.
  • ESPN Research noted it is the first intradivision, in-season trade involving a quarterback since 1990.
  • With Joe Burrow sidelined after toe surgery and Jake Browning throwing eight interceptions during a three-game skid, reports say the Bengals hope Flacco can start as soon as Week 6 at Green Bay.
  • Cleveland benched Flacco for rookie Dillon Gabriel last week and is expected to elevate Shedeur Sanders to the No. 2 role, with Bailey Zappe on the practice squad.
  • Flacco, 40, went 1-3 as Cleveland’s starter this season, completing 58.1% of his passes for 815 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions, underscoring the low-cost, stopgap nature of the move.