Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicate that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is set to rejoin the Cincinnati Bengals for what would be his nineteenth season in the National Football League. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler further reports that Flacco’s contract is anticipated to be valued at $6 million, with the potential to reach $9 million through performance-based incentives.
Even though the 41-year-old signal-caller had expressed a desire to contend for a primary quarterback role, he was reportedly amenable to coming back to the Bengals. Nevertheless, as options for starting positions diminished in the league, Flacco ultimately chose to finalize his return to the Cincinnati franchise.
Cincinnati brought Flacco over from the Cleveland Browns during the previous season, a decision prompted by Joe Burrow’s turf toe ailment and the difficulties faced by then-backup Jake Browning. This transfer also provided Flacco with a renewed beginning, especially after he was replaced by rookie Dillon Gabriel during his second tenure in Cleveland. Furthermore, it offered him the opportunity to collaborate with offensive playmakers like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown.
While with the Bengals, Flacco accumulated 1,664 passing yards, recorded thirteen touchdown passes, and threw four interceptions.
Although the team posted a 1-5 win-loss record in the matchups where he was the starting quarterback, Flacco’s individual performance was sufficiently strong to garner him a Pro Bowl nod, a career first.
The player recognized as the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year offers essential security as a backup to Burrow. In the previous season, Burrow sat out nine games, and across his six NFL seasons, he has contended with notable injuries, such as a wrist ligament tear that concluded his 2023 season and a career-shortening knee injury in his debut year. Even though he performs as a premier quarterback when fit, his consistent availability has been a persistent worry. Burrow managed to complete the 2025 season and maintained sufficient health to engage in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic during the recent offseason.
Given Browning’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the current offseason, Flacco is anticipated to assume the role of Burrow’s main reserve quarterback. Furthermore, the Bengals have also brought in experienced player Josh Johnson.
