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Mike Tomlin Criticizes Browns for Trading Joe Flacco to Bengals Ahead of Steelers-Bengals Game

He cast the move as Cleveland helping a rival for little return after turning to rookie Dillon Gabriel.

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)
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
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Overview

  • Tomlin called the intra-division deal “shocking,” questioning GM Andrew Berry for sending an opening-day starter to a quarterback-needy rival days before Pittsburgh visits Cincinnati.
  • The trade sent Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Bengals for a 2026 fifth-round selection, a modest pick swap unusual for a quarterback within the AFC North.
  • Flacco started immediately for Cincinnati, completing 29 of 45 passes for 219 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 27-18 loss to Green Bay.
  • Cleveland had benched Flacco following early-season turnovers and committed to a younger quarterback room with Dillon Gabriel starting and Shedeur Sanders in reserve.
  • Bengals coach Zac Taylor responded to Tomlin’s remarks by saying he was “happy,” and Tomlin noted it made sense from Cincinnati’s perspective while preparing for Flacco on Thursday night.