Overview
- Cincinnati contacted the recently retired Derek Carr during its midseason quarterback search, according to his brother and multiple reports.
- Carr remains retired as he rehabs a right shoulder issue and prefers a situation with long-term clarity rather than a temporary role.
- The Bengals ultimately traded in-division for Joe Flacco from the Browns after evaluating a 13‑quarterback list that included Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson.
- Flacco started in Week 6 and is slated for a second start on Thursday night against the Steelers, an uncommon scenario given the trade within the AFC North.
- The pursuit followed Jake Browning’s turnover-plagued stint, and any Carr return would require navigating his rights with the Saints.