The Cincinnati Bengals have suffered for most of their season, losing the last three games. What made the difference between now and the previous two victories? Joe Burrow’s absence.
The quarterback suffered a toe injury in their Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since then, quarterback duties have been in the hands of backup Jake Browning. Now that it seems that Burrow will be out for most, if not for the entire season, the Bengals have sounded the alarm bell and gone to the quarterback market to search for a more viable medium-term solution.
Their solution? The recently benched Cleveland Browns quarterback and Super Bowl champion, Joe Flacco, who is estimated to be worth $85 million. After starting with an equally miserable season, the Browns decided to hand starting duties to rookie Dillon Gabriel last week.
Just a wild turn of events. Cincy has been calling around for 48 hours. Now turn to Joe Flacco to keep their playoffs hopes alive. A stunner. https://t.co/MR5CFO2uib
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2025
Despite Flacco’s credentials, fans weren’t impressed by the Bengals’ decision to trade for the ageing veteran.
“REEKS OF DESPERATION WINSTON AND WILSON WERE BETTER OPTIONS” wrote one fan
“This is bizarre. I would’ve rather had Jameis Winston or Kirk Cousins over 80 year old Joe Flacco” declared someone else
It’s worth noting that neither Jameis Winston nor Russell Wilson is a free agent, as both are under contract with the New York Giants. They just aren’t starting, as rookie Jaxson Dart took over the quarterback position.
“Dolphins were willing to give up Zach Wilson for a bag of footballs and the Bengals still took Joe Flacco over him” lamented someone else
Some do worry about Flacco’s lack of mobility and Cincinnati’s offensive line.
“Flacco behind that Oline just might be elder abuse” Joked someone
“Crazy how every team ends up dialing Joe Flacco like he’s the NFL’s emergency contact.” Said someone
“Why a stunner? This guy can still play. I don’t remember but did Cincy also upgrade OL to protect him.” Said someone in a seemingly sardonic tone
Some do trust the Super Bowl XLVII MVP.
“It wouldn’t be the first time Flacco was needed and got a team to the playoffs.” Claimed someone
The Cincinnati Bengals Didn’t Attempt To Trade For Russell Wilson
The Cincinnati Bengals not only found an apparent solution in Joe Flacco, but they also got their main target solution. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Bengals didn’t even attempt to get the also-benched Russell Wilson from the New York Giants.
Russini: Bengals never called Giants about trading for Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) October 7, 2025
Wilson is also a Super Bowl champion who’s noticeably younger than Joe Flacco. Not only that, but he has arguably had a better season so far in 2025. Flacco has 815 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and six interceptions. His QBR is 27.6, and his completion percentage is 58.1%. On the other hand, Wilson has 786 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. His QBR is 33.1, and a 59.5% completion percentage.
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