The Bengals trade for Joe Flacco from Cleveland, sending a 5th-round pick in exchange for Flacco + a 6th. This move shifts the Browns depth chart, promotes Shedeur Sanders, and gives Cincinnati experienced QB depth. Read the full breakdown: Joe Flacco, trade details, roster impact, and what’s next. (Keywords: Joe Flacco, Joe Flacco Trade, Flacco, Joe Flacco Traded, Bengals Trade, Browns Depth Chart, Bengals News)
Introduction & key takeaway
In a surprise divisional swap, the Cincinnati Bengals have acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns, along with a 2026 sixth-round pick, in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
This deal comes amid turmoil: the Browns had recently benched Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, elevating Shedeur Sanders in the process.
For Cincinnati, getting a veteran like Flacco is a bid to stabilize their quarterback room while Joe Burrow recovers from injury and to replace struggling backup Jake Browning.
Below is the full picture: the trade mechanics, Flacco’s recent performance, Browns QB reorganization, Bengals implications, and what to watch going forward.
Background: Flacco’s 2025 season & Browns quarterback situation
Return to Cleveland
Earlier in 2025, Flacco re-signed with the Browns on a one-year, $4 million contract. The Browns brought him in to compete, mentor, and provide depth behind younger QBs like Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.
In training camp and OTAs, Flacco was not content just to mentor; he reportedly earned first-team reps and intended to prove he still could start.
The benching for Gabriel
After four games, Flacco’s performance had been underwhelming: in those starts he completed 93 of 160 passes for 815 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.
On October 1, 2025, the Browns officially benched Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel for Week 5.
At that moment, Shedeur Sanders remained QB3; he did not move into the backup role until the Flacco trade.
The Browns had a crowded quarterback room, and even before the season some analysts predicted that either Flacco or Pickett would be moved.
Trade details & contract considerations
Trade terms
- The Bengals acquired Joe Flacco + a 2026 sixth-round pick.
- The Browns receive a 2026 fifth-round pick in return.
- The trade is pending Flacco’s physical.
- Financially, the Browns will absorb about $999K in dead money in 2025 and $1.4M in 2026 due to void years.
This trade is notable for being an intradivisional move (AFC North), which is relatively rare.
Why Cincinnati made the move
- Bengals starter Joe Burrow is sidelined with a toe injury, putting pressure on their backup quarterback room.
- Jake Browning, who had been elevated to starter, struggled amid three consecutive losses and subpar performance.
- Cincinnati needed a veteran presence to stabilize the offense, especially since other rumored QB trade targets (e.g. Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins) might be harder to acquire.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Impacts on Browns’ depth chart & Shedeur Sanders
Flacco’s exit opens door for Sanders
With Flacco gone, Shedeur Sanders moves to QB2, behind starter Dillon Gabriel.
This trade elevates Sanders’ position significantly — he is now more likely to see playing time if Gabriel falters or is injured.
Analysts see this as an opportunity for Sanders to prove himself earlier than many expected.
Browns’ QB room going forward
Remaining with the Browns now are:
- Starter: Dillon Gabriel
- Backup: Shedeur Sanders
- Other QBs: Kenny Pickett (unless traded) and/or possibly a veteran or practice squad backup (SI)
The Browns will absorb the cost of Flacco’s prior contract and dead money, but they gain roster clarity and a commitment toward younger signal-callers.
Joe Flacco’s résumé & 2025 performance preview
Career overview in brief
Joe Flacco, born January 16, 1985, has had a long NFL career, including a Super Bowl victory and MVP in 2012. He has played for multiple franchises, served as both starter and mentor, and built a reputation for durability and leadership.
2025 seasons stats and recent form
Before the trade, while with Cleveland in 2025, Flacco logged:
- 815 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 6 interceptions
- 58.1% completion rate
That performance led to questions about his ability to remain starting caliber, and the Browns’ move to bench him reflects that reality.
Flacco signed with the Browns in April 2025, returning to Cleveland after his previous stint.
In offseason reports, Flacco emphasized his work ethic and desire to compete, not just mentor.
What changes for Cincinnati — Bengals QB depth & outlook
Depth chart & starting expectations
Post-trade, the Bengals’ quarterback depth chart is likely:
- Joe Flacco (new starter)
- Jake Browning (former starter, now backup)
- Brett Rypien / other backups
Flacco is expected to start immediately — potentially as early as Sunday’s game against the Packers.
Cincinnati released Mike White from their practice squad earlier Tuesday to make room.
Risks & benefits
Benefits:
- Experienced veteran presence to steady the offense
- Confidence and leadership, especially in a division rival trade
- Ability to mentor and provide stability until Joe Burrow returns
Risks:
- Flacco is 40 and less mobile — long-term durability is questionable
- His recent performance metrics are weak (2 TD, 6 INT)
- Bengals are giving up a mid-round pick for a short-term solution
Trade: Browns are trading QB Joe Flacco and a 6th-round pick to the Bengals for a 5th-round pick. pic.twitter.com/VbIorM9985
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2025
Search-optimized sections & keyword usage
Throughout this article, we’ve used these relevant keywords and their variants:
- Joe Flacco, Flacco Trade, Flacco, Joe Flacco Traded
- Bengals, Bengals Trade, Bengals Joe Flacco, Bengals News
- Browns Depth Chart, Shedeur Sanders
- NFL News, NFL Trades
You can add subheads or anchor text such as “Joe Flacco Trade to Bengals: Full Analysis” or “How Flacco’s move affects Browns depth chart and Shedeur Sanders” to reinforce SEO.
What to watch / next steps
- Flacco’s start & performance: Can he rebound and deliver for Cincinnati right away?
- Jake Browning’s role: Will he remain backup or possibly be traded or cut?
- Shedeur Sanders’ chance in Cleveland: Will he get action this season?
- Cleveland’s trade behavior: With one QB out, might they look for trade help?
- Burrow’s return timeline: Flacco is a bridge — how well he holds the fort matters.