Overview
- Flacco agreed Tuesday to return to Cincinnati on a one-year deal reported at $6 million with incentives up to $9 million, locking him in as Joe Burrow’s No. 2.
- Speaking to reporters Wednesday, the 41-year-old said teams were “dumb” for not giving him a starting shot and added he feels “unfinished business” drives him.
- In nine games for the Bengals in 2025, including six starts, he completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,664 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
- Cincinnati reshaped its quarterback room after Joe Burrow’s recent injuries, moving on from Jake Browning to Tampa Bay, signing Josh Johnson, and bringing back Flacco despite outside interest from the Raiders.
- The Bengals traded for Flacco last season after Cleveland benched him, paying a 2026 fifth-round pick for Flacco and a 2026 sixth, reflecting how teams pay for experienced insurance when starter openings are scarce.