Bengals acquire Joe Flacco in blockbuster trade with Browns after losing Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals made waves on Tuesday by cutting Mike White from their practice squad, a move that immediately raised eyebrows and hinted something bigger was brewing. 

Sure enough, the other shoe has dropped. Cincinnati has struck a trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported the news. Per Adam Schefter, the Bengals are sending a fifth round pick to Cleveland in exchange for a sixth round pick and Flacco.

It's a bold but necessary play for a Bengals team trying to steady the ship after Jake Browning's underwhelming performances under center. Browning has had flashes, but the offense has looked out of rhythm since Joe Burrow went down with that nasty turf toe injury during the 31-27 win over Jacksonville on September 14.

Burrow's setback required surgery and is expected to sideline him for up to three months, a crushing blow for a team built around his arm and leadership. In the meantime, Flacco, the battle-tested former Super Bowl MVP, steps in as the likely starter moving forward as they look to keep their playoffs hopes alive.

The veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco has already seen his share of action this season, making four starts for the Browns before the trade. He completed 58.1% of his throws for 815 yards, tossing two touchdowns against six interceptions, not eye-popping numbers, but enough to remind everyone that he can still sling it when called upon.

Let's not forget, Flacco was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2023 after guiding Cleveland into the postseason. He spent a short stint with the Colts last year before making his way back to the Browns this offseason. Now, the veteran journeyman is set to don Bengal stripes.

A very intriguing situation is brewing — Zac Taylor, at 42, will now coach a quarterback just two years his junior. Flacco, 40, even squared off against Cincinnati back in Week 1, going 31-of-45 for 290 yards with a touchdown and two picks in a narrow 17-16 loss. He knows this defense, and they know him.

Flacco enters a crowded quarterback room featuring Jake Browning, Brett Rypien, and practice squad arm Sean Clifford. Whether the Bengals can bring him up to speed quickly enough to start on Sunday remains to be seen but one thing's for sure: Cincinnati isn’t waiting around for the season to slip away. A new quarterback has arrived, and the veteran might just be the spark this team desperately needs.