Overview
- ESPN reports the Bengals are not tendering restricted free agent Jake Browning, who will become a free agent though a return remains possible.
- NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Joe Flacco will seek a chance to compete for a starting job in free agency and would strongly consider a Bengals return if only backup roles materialize.
- Cincinnati is viewed as preferring to re-sign Flacco to stabilize the QB2 role after last season’s struggles behind Burrow.
- Flacco logged 1,664 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions for the Bengals in 2025 and earned his first Pro Bowl, strengthening his market.
- Outlet speculation on possible starting competitions for Flacco includes the Vikings, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Raiders, Cardinals and Dolphins.