Overview

• The Browns dealt quarterback Joe Flacco to division rival Cincinnati last week, a rare in-division move that drew fresh criticism on Tuesday.
• On The Pat McAfee Show, former Steelers assistant Bruce Arians called the trade “total” nonsense and said he would never move a quarterback within the AFC North.
• Mike Tomlin had already questioned Cleveland’s logic on Monday, saying it made no sense to strengthen a rival by sending an opening-day starter to a team hurting at quarterback.
• Arians pointed to early returns for the Bengals, noting a spike in targets and production for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins ahead of Thursday’s Bengals-Steelers game.
• Flacco told reporters he views Tomlin’s remarks as part of the competitive game, while Sporting News argued Cleveland, sitting 1-5, reasonably recouped value for a non-long-term piece as Cincinnati sought help without Joe Burrow.