Veteran QB Flacco Calls NFL Teams 'Dumb' for Not Signing Him as Starter

Flacco questions teams' decisions to overlook his experience and leadership

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in vibrant colors representing the multifaceted nature of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco's situation in the NFL.Flacco's frustration with not being considered a starting quarterback exposes the complex dynamics of aging athletes in the NFL.Cleveland Today

In a recent interview, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco expressed frustration with not being considered a starting quarterback by NFL teams, calling their decisions 'dumb'. Flacco, who started for the Browns in 2025 and later joined the Bengals when Joe Burrow was injured, believes he still has the skills to contribute significantly as a starter despite his age. His comments have sparked a debate about the complex issue of aging athletes in professional sports and the role of perception in talent evaluation.

Why it matters

Flacco's situation raises important questions about the NFL's approach to veteran players. Are teams too focused on youth and potential, overlooking the experience and leadership that veterans like Flacco can bring? This debate highlights the subjective nature of talent evaluation in sports and the impact of perception on a player's career.

The details

Flacco started the 2025 season as the Browns' starter and then became the Bengals' go-to guy when Joe Burrow was injured. Despite his solid performance, with 13 touchdowns and a 61.7% completion rate, Flacco finds himself in the backup role again. This has led him to question the decisions of teams, stating that they are 'dumb' for not giving him a starting position.

  • Flacco started the 2025 season as the Browns' starter.
  • Flacco later joined the Bengals when Joe Burrow was injured.

The players

Joe Flacco

A veteran quarterback who has expressed frustration with not being considered a starting quarterback by NFL teams.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' starting quarterback who was injured, leading to Flacco joining the team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

Despite his current role, Flacco's career isn't over yet. With the NFL's unpredictable nature, injuries, and performance fluctuations, there's always a chance for a comeback. Flacco has proven resilient, finding his way back into starting roles in the past. This resilience is a testament to his determination and skill, which could very well lead to another opportunity this season.

The takeaway

Flacco's situation is a thought-provoking example of the complexities within professional sports. It challenges us to question our assumptions about aging athletes and the value they bring. As fans and analysts, we must remember that every player's story is unique, and sometimes, the narrative takes unexpected turns. In Flacco's case, his journey might just inspire a new chapter in the NFL's history.