In Week 2’s win over the Jaguars, starting QB Joe Burrow suffered a serious toe injury. The Pro Bowler had to leave the game and Jake Browning took over as QB. Cincinnati won that game 31-27, but it was all downhill from there.
The Bengals have lost three games in a row with Browning as the starting QB. During this time, the team won 113-37. Cincinnati lost to the Lions 37-24 in Week 4. Head coach Zac Taylor did not commit to Jake Browning as the starting pitcher going forward. On Tuesday, the Bengals acquired veteran QB Joe Flacco in a trade with the Browns.
Joe Flacco scheduled to start against the Packers in Week 6
Agreed to trade QB Joe Flacco to the Bengals.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 7, 2025
The Bengals have been in need of quarterback help since Joe Burrow went down in Week 2. Jake Browning started seven games for the Bengals in 2023. There was no resistance to the transition from a reserve role to an immediate starter. Head coach Zac Taylor decided to use Browning with him because of his experience on Cincinnati’s offensive line. Through four games and three starts in 2025, Jake Browning threw eight interceptions. That production didn’t suit the Bengals at all.
Before their game against the Packers in Week 6, Cincinnati made a move to QB. The Bengals acquired Joe Flacco in a trade with the Browns. The 40-year-old QB started the first four games of Cleveland’s 2025 season. Flacco was placed on the bench in Week 5, replacing rookie QB Dillon Gabriel. Just one week later, Joe Flacco was a member of the Bengals. He currently plays for three of the four teams in the AFC North.
Bengals trade for QB Joe Flacco. (via @RapSheet + @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/k9e5lG1awA
— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2025
In three games with Jake Browning as the starter, the Bengals offense averaged 12.3 points per game. If not for a 24-point performance in Week 5, that number would have been even lower. Could the addition of Joe Flacco revamp Cincinnati’s offense? That’s going to be very difficult behind the Bengals’ below-average offensive line. In four games against the Bengals in 2025, Jake Browning was sacked nine times.
Joe Flacco started nine games for the Browns and was sacked nine times. Although his mobility is limited at this stage of his career, Joe Flacco makes up for it with his arm. The veteran QB is expected to heavily target Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in the future. At 2-3, the Bengals’ season isn’t over yet. He is one win away from hitting .500. Joe Flacco is expected to be the starting QB for the Bengals.
