Following a disappointing Week 5 loss to the Lions, marking their third consecutive game with a lopsided defeat under backup quarterback Jake Browning, the Cincinnati Bengals took decisive action to find a more reliable replacement for Joe Burrow. In a detailed report by Albert Breer from SI.com, it was revealed that the Bengals, led by director of player personnel Duke Tobin, compiled an extensive list of potential upgrades at the quarterback position.
Before ultimately trading for veteran Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals explored numerous other options, including Anthony Richardson from the Colts, Kirk Cousins of the Falcons, and the backup quarterbacks from the Giants, such as Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. They also considered players like Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett from the Rams, Tanner McKee from the Eagles, and Josh Johnson of the Commanders. This exhaustive assessment joined previously mentioned names like Derek Carr, Sam Howell, Drew Lock, and Davis Mills, highlighting the team’s commitment to enhancing their quarterback situation.
Ultimately, the Bengals narrowed the list down to five candidates before selecting Flacco as their preferred choice. Several factors contributed to Flacco’s selection: his affordable base salary of $1.26 million, the trade cost of just a fifth-round pick, and his extensive experience in the AFC North. Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator, Dan Pitcher, emphasized that Flacco’s familiarity with offensive concepts similar to those utilized in Cleveland further cemented him as the right fit.
In his short time as the Bengals’ starting quarterback, Flacco has shown promise, despite an initial loss to the Packers. He led the team to a thrilling upset victory over the division-rival Steelers, showcasing his skills by outpacing Aaron Rodgers and completing 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a tightly contested game. Remarkably, Flacco targeted star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase 23 times, completing 16 of those passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, helping solidify Chase’s role as a focal point in the offense.
With Burrow sidelined for at least three months due to toe surgery, the goal behind acquiring Flacco is to keep the Bengals competitive through December, making it feasible for Burrow’s potential return in 2025. As the Bengals currently hold a record of 3-4, they find themselves trailing the division-leading Steelers and sitting in ninth place in the AFC. Although the path ahead remains challenging, Flacco’s presence gives the Bengals a more reliable option than Browning, bolstering their hopes of remaining in contention until Burrow’s return.