Joe Flacco’s NFL story just added another jaw-dropping chapter. The 40-year-old quarterback, fresh off a rollercoaster year with the Colts and a brief return to the Browns, has been traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in a move that’s sending shockwaves through the league.
Flacco’s Never-Ending Comeback
Just when you think Joe Flacco’s career is winding down, he finds a way to stay in the spotlight. After a 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts—where he played eight games, threw for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions—Flacco signed a one-year,
$4 million deal to return to the Cleveland Browns for the 2025 season. The Browns, dealing with Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury and Kenny Pickett in the mix, looked to Flacco for veteran stability.
But the NFL never sleeps. On October 7, 2025, the Browns traded Flacco to the Bengals in exchange for a 2026 draft pick swap, a move confirmed by both teams and widely reported by NFL insiders. The Bengals also received a 2026 sixth-round pick as part of the deal.
Why the Bengals Made the Move
The Bengals’ quarterback situation has been anything but stable this season. With injuries and inconsistent play plaguing their depth chart, Cincinnati saw Flacco as the perfect insurance policy. He brings a Super Bowl pedigree, a reputation for clutch performances, and—perhaps most importantly—a willingness to step in as a starter or mentor as needed.
Flacco’s recent resurgence is no fluke. In 2023, he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year after leading the Browns to a surprise playoff berth, going 4-1 as a starter and throwing for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns in just five games. Even in his late 30s, Flacco has shown he can still sling it, evidenced by a 330-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Giants just weeks ago.
What’s Next for Flacco and the Bengals?
With Flacco now in Cincinnati, the Bengals have a proven veteran who can step in immediately if needed—or serve as a mentor to younger quarterbacks. The move also gives the Browns more flexibility as they await Deshaun Watson’s return and consider their options with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft.
For Flacco, this trade is yet another chance to prove the doubters wrong. He’s made it clear he has no intention of retiring, telling reporters and sources close to him that he “fully intends to play” in 2025 and is open to any role that helps his team win.
The Big Picture: Flacco’s Legacy and the NFL’s QB Carousel
Joe Flacco’s career has been anything but ordinary. From Super Bowl MVP with the Ravens to journeyman stints with the Broncos, Jets, Browns, Colts, and now Bengals, he’s become the ultimate example of NFL longevity and adaptability. His willingness to embrace new roles—starter, backup, mentor—has kept him relevant in a league that rarely gives second (or third, or fourth) chances.
As the Bengals gear up for a playoff push, Flacco’s experience could be the X-factor they need. And for fans, his story is a reminder that in the NFL, anything can happen—even a 40-year-old quarterback getting another shot at glory.
Sources
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2. NFL.com | Official Site of the National Football League
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5. Veteran Quarterback Joe Flacco Signs Contract For 2025 NFL Season
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