Particle.news
Download on the App Store
241 ARTICLES
·
20m ago

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

The veteran could start as soon as Week 6, pending a physical.

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)
Image
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)
Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images/ File photo

Overview

  • Cincinnati is getting Joe Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick from Cleveland for a 2026 fifth-rounder in a deal the Browns announced as pending a physical.
  • Reports indicate the Bengals want Flacco available immediately against the Packers after Jake Browning’s turnover-plagued run as Joe Burrow recovers from turf-toe surgery.
  • Browning has thrown eight interceptions across four appearances and is 0-3 as the starter, prompting Zac Taylor to leave the Week 6 decision open.
  • With Flacco dealt after being benched, the Browns are moving forward with rookie Dillon Gabriel at QB1 and Shedeur Sanders positioned to rise to the No. 2 role.
  • The move marks the first Bengals–Browns trade since 1999; Flacco went 1-3 with 815 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions in four 2025 starts after a 2023 comeback season in Cleveland.