Overview

• Tomlin said Browns GM Andrew Berry “must be a lot smarter than me or us,” arguing it makes little sense to trade an opening-day starter to a division opponent in need at quarterback.
• Cleveland dealt Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cincinnati for a 2026 fifth-rounder, a modest return for an uncommon midseason, intra-division QB trade.
• Installed as the Bengals’ starter days after the move, Flacco went 29 of 45 for 219 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in a 27-18 loss at Green Bay that dropped Cincinnati to 2-4.
• Ja’Marr Chase hauled in a one-armed 19-yard score for his 50th career touchdown and said he and Flacco are still figuring out their chemistry after limited time together.
• Pittsburgh visits Cincinnati on Thursday night, with Zac Taylor saying he was happy about the trade and Tomlin noting it is reasonable to expect Flacco to be better in his second Bengals start.