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17h ago

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

The move addresses Cincinnati’s instability at quarterback during Joe Burrow’s extended absence.

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

  • Trade terms: Cleveland sends Joe Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cincinnati for a 2026 fifth-rounder, a swap the Browns announced as pending a physical.
  • Coach Zac Taylor declined to commit to Jake Browning after three straight losses, and multiple reports indicate Flacco could start in Week 6 if he acclimates in time.
  • Joe Burrow is expected to miss at least three months following turf toe surgery, and Browning has thrown eight interceptions across four appearances this season.
  • In Cleveland, rookie Dillon Gabriel remains the starter and Shedeur Sanders has been listed as the No. 2 on an unofficial depth chart, though Kevin Stefanski said roster decisions are still being finalized.
  • ESPN Research notes it is the first in-season, intradivision quarterback trade since 1990; Flacco went 1-3 with 815 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions for the Browns, and Cincinnati released Brett Rypien after the deal.