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13m ago

Bengals Acquire Joe Flacco From Browns in Rare In-Division Swap

The pending-physical deal gives Cincinnati an experienced option during Joe Burrow’s recovery.

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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Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes looks on before the game against TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Overview

  • Cleveland is sending Joe Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cincinnati for a 2026 fifth-rounder, with the trade pending a physical.
  • ESPN reports the Bengals hope Flacco could be ready to start in Week 6 at Green Bay as he learns the offense.
  • Cincinnati turned to the trade after Jake Browning’s turnover-plagued stint while Burrow recovers from turf toe surgery, and Zac Taylor declined to commit to a Week 6 starter.
  • With Flacco departing, the Browns move ahead with rookie Dillon Gabriel as starter, elevate Shedeur Sanders on the depth chart, and keep Bailey Zappe on the practice squad.
  • It is the first Bengals-Browns trade since 1999; Flacco, 40, went 1-3 for Cleveland this season with 815 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions.