Joe Flacco Returns To Bengals

Veteran QB to back up Joe Burrow after impressive 2022 stint

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:01am

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According to multiple reports, 41-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco is returning to the Cincinnati Bengals for his 19th NFL season, this time as the backup to starter Joe Burrow. Flacco joined the Bengals midway through the 2022 season and put up impressive numbers, including throwing the third-most touchdown passes in the league during his six starts while Burrow was injured.

Why it matters

Flacco's return provides valuable veteran experience and depth behind Burrow, who is coming off his second Pro Bowl season. Flacco proved he can still play at a high level when called upon, and his presence in the locker room was praised by coaches and teammates.

The details

After arriving in Cincinnati via a trade with the Browns last season, Flacco stepped in for the injured Burrow and had some of the best performances of his career. He threw for the third-most touchdowns in the league during his six starts and set a career-high with 470 passing yards in a game against the Bears. Flacco's professionalism and willingness to play through injury impressed the Bengals' coaching staff and made him a popular figure with the team and fans.

  • Flacco joined the Bengals midway through the 2022 NFL season.
  • Flacco made six starts for the Bengals in 2022 while Burrow was injured.
  • Flacco is returning to the Bengals for the 2023 NFL season.

The players

Joe Flacco

A 41-year-old quarterback who is entering his 19th NFL season, the majority of which were spent with the Baltimore Ravens. Flacco joined the Bengals midway through the 2022 season and impressed as the backup to starter Joe Burrow.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who is coming off his second Pro Bowl season. Burrow was injured for part of the 2022 season, allowing Flacco to step in as the starter.

Zac Taylor

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, who praised Flacco's professionalism and willingness to play through injury last season.

Josh Johnson

A 39-year-old quarterback who has been signed to a one-year deal with the Bengals and was previously teammates with Flacco.

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What they’re saying

“Flacco, he could barely lift his arm this week, and he's willing to go put himself out there for a bunch of teammates he's known for three weeks. He's a football player. That's what he got up here and said: 'I play football for a living. That's what I do.'”

— Zac Taylor, Bengals Head Coach

“No surprise to me when Joe balled out. No surprise at all.”

— Josh Johnson, Bengals Quarterback

What’s next

The Bengals will look to Flacco to provide veteran leadership and depth behind Burrow as they aim to build on their success from the 2022 season.

The takeaway

Flacco's return to the Bengals underscores the value of having an experienced backup quarterback who can step in and perform at a high level when called upon. His professionalism and willingness to play through injury made him a popular figure in Cincinnati, and the Bengals are counting on him to continue providing that veteran presence in the locker room.