Particle.news
Download on the App Store
77 ARTICLES
·
8h ago

Mike Tomlin Criticizes Browns for Trading Joe Flacco to Bengals

Tomlin’s public rebuke heightens scrutiny of Cleveland’s front office.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 12: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Cleveland Browns during the first half in the game at Acrisure Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Image
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • Tomlin called the deal "shocking," saying GM Andrew Berry "must be a lot smarter than me or us" for sending an opening-day starter to a division rival in need at quarterback.
  • The Browns traded Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cincinnati for a 2026 fifth-rounder, marking the first Browns-Bengals trade since Cleveland’s 1999 return.
  • Flacco started immediately for the Bengals, going 29-of-45 for 219 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 27-18 loss to Green Bay; Tomlin said it is reasonable to expect him to be better in his second game.
  • Cleveland fell to 1-5 with a 23-9 loss to Pittsburgh as rookie Dillon Gabriel was sacked six times and hit 16 times; the Browns are averaging an NFL-low 13.7 points through six games.
  • Browns coach Kevin Stefanski declined to respond to Tomlin’s remarks and said he will continue calling plays; Pittsburgh (4-1) visits Cincinnati (2-4) on Thursday night.