Stunner: Bengals Trade for Joe Flacco, Poaching Browns’ Super Bowl QB in AFC North Power Move

CINCINNATI—The Cincinnati Bengals have filled their sudden quarterback void by acquiring former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco from the division-rival Cleveland Browns, league sources confirmed Tuesday afternoon. Cleveland receives a 2026 fifth-round pick, while Cincinnati gets Flacco plus a 2026 sixth-rounder, per multiple reports. The emergency move comes less than 48 hours after franchise star Joe Burrow was placed on injured reserve with a torn Achilles, potentially ending his season. With backup Jake Browning struggling in Sunday’s loss to Baltimore, head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin acted quickly to secure the most experienced passer on the market. Why Flacco? • Proven postseason résumé: The 40-year-old owns a 10-5 playoff record and the 2012 Super Bowl XLVII MVP trophy. • Familiarity with AFC North defenses: He spent 11 seasons with Baltimore and last winter posted a 4-1 record for Cleveland, throwing for 1,616 yards and 13 TDs. • Scheme fit: Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher favors a vertical passing attack similar to Kevin Stefanski’s, easing the learning curve for Flacco. Impact on Bengals’ playoff hopes At 3-2, Cincinnati trails only the 4-1 Ravens in the tight AFC North. The upcoming schedule—at Steelers, vs. Texans, at Jaguars—features three defenses ranked 20th or worse against the pass. If Flacco can deliver steady production, the Bengals’ elite skill trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Joe Mixon remains formidable. Sportsbooks moved Cincinnati’s Super Bowl odds from +2200 to +3000 following Burrow’s injury, but early betting action after the trade nudged the line back to +2700. What it means for Cleveland With Deshaun Watson fully cleared from shoulder surgery and rookie Shedeur Sanders impressing in camp, the Browns opted to recoup draft capital and clear $2.25 million in prorated salary. Cleveland now holds nine picks in the 2026 draft, including three in the top 100. Next steps • Physical and playbook crash course: Flacco is expected to arrive in Cincinnati tonight and could practice in limited fashion Wednesday. • Roster shuffle: The Bengals waived third-stringer Will Grier to open a spot, planning to elevate rookie Tanner McKee from the practice squad if Flacco isn’t ready by Sunday. • Contract incentives: Flacco’s one-year deal includes up to $3 million in play-time and playoff bonuses that could escalate if Cincinnati reaches the divisional round. Bottom line The Bengals chose experience over experimentation, betting that Joe Flacco’s championship poise can steady a season teetering on the edge. With Burrow sidelined, Flacco now has a chance to author one more chapter in a career defined by January heroics—and perhaps swing the balance of power in football’s fiercest division.