Bengals Acquire Veteran QB Joe Flacco

Flacco plans to play in 2026 after Pro Bowl season with division rival

Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:07am

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The Cincinnati Bengals have acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in a rare intra-division trade after injuries and struggles from their current QB options. Flacco, who made his first Pro Bowl in his 18th NFL season, plans to continue playing in 2026 at the age of 41.

Why it matters

The Bengals have had instability at the quarterback position, with Joe Burrow suffering an early-season injury and backup Jake Browning struggling. Bringing in the experienced Flacco provides a proven option to stabilize the offense and make a playoff push.

The details

The Bengals traded for Flacco after their current QB options, Joe Burrow and Jake Browning, were unable to provide consistent production. Flacco, who spent the 2025 season with the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, is now set to join the Bengals and provide veteran leadership and playmaking ability.

  • Flacco made his first Pro Bowl in the 2025 NFL season at age 40.

The players

Joe Flacco

A veteran quarterback who spent the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens and plans to continue playing in 2026 at age 41 after making his first Pro Bowl.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' starting quarterback who suffered an early-season injury in 2025.

Jake Browning

The Bengals' backup quarterback who struggled to provide consistent production in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to bring in a veteran like Joe Flacco to stabilize our quarterback position. His experience and playmaking ability will be invaluable as we make a push for the playoffs.”

— Zac Taylor, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bengals

What’s next

The Bengals will look to integrate Flacco into their offense and have him compete for the starting job in training camp.

The takeaway

The Bengals' acquisition of Joe Flacco demonstrates their commitment to finding a reliable quarterback option after injuries and struggles from their current options. Flacco's veteran presence and recent Pro Bowl appearance provide hope that he can stabilize the position and help the team make a playoff push.