Overview
- Nine days after the in-division trade, Joe Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-31 win over the Steelers, connecting with Ja'Marr Chase 16 times for 161 yards and a score.
- The Bengals moved to 3-4 with Flacco stabilizing the offense, while the Browns fell to 1-5 after benching him for rookie Dillon Gabriel prior to the deal.
- Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called the Browns’ move “shocking,” questioning GM Andrew Berry for sending a starting-caliber quarterback to a rival.
- Browns coach Kevin Stefanski declined to engage on Flacco’s breakout, saying he didn’t watch the game, as Myles Garrett praised Flacco and critiqued Cleveland’s offensive approach.
- Trade terms reported: Cleveland sent Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cincinnati for a 2026 fifth-rounder, with reports indicating the Bengals vetted a lengthy list of alternatives before choosing him.