Browns Trade Joe Flacco to Bengals Amid Quarterback Struggles

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cleveland Browns have traded quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, according to NFL insiders. The deal, confirmed on October 7, 2025, sees Flacco and a sixth-round pick head to Cincinnati in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

Flacco started the first four games of the season for the Browns, producing modest statistics with a 1-3 record. He completed 58.1% of his passes, gaining 815 yards, alongside two touchdowns and six interceptions.

The decision to trade Flacco comes after he lost his starting position to Dillon Gabriel following a Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions. Flacco previously led the Browns on an impressive playoff run two seasons ago but spent the last season with the Indianapolis Colts.

In Cincinnati, Flacco joins a team struggling for consistent offensive play. Bengals coach Zac Taylor has had to navigate challenges since starting quarterback Jake Browning suffered a toe injury in Week 2. Browning has struggled, losing three consecutive starts and throwing eight interceptions during that span.

This trade marks a rare occasion where two division rivals exchange quarterbacks. Flacco, a former No. 18 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, previously played for the Baltimore Ravens, with whom he won a Super Bowl in 2012, and returned to the Browns last season, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors.

The Bengals are hoping Flacco can provide a much-needed boost to their offense. This story is still developing.