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CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 4: Joe Flacco #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Cincinnati, United States. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
Lauren Leigh Bacho via Getty Images
Joe Flacco will reportedly return to the Cincinnati Bengals for his 19th NFL season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Flacco is expected to sign a deal worth $6 million, with a maximum value of $9 million including incentives, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The 41-year-old quarterback was reportedly open to rejoining the Bengals despite hoping for an opportunity to compete for a starting job. However, with the quarterback market drying up, Flacco ultimately opted to return to Cincinnati.
The Bengals acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns last season following Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury and former backup Jake Browning’s struggles. The move also gave Flacco a fresh start after being benched in favor of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel early in his second stint with Cleveland, along with the chance to play alongside offensive weapons such as Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown.
During his time with the Bengals, Flacco threw for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Despite the team’s 1-5 record in games he started, Flacco performed well enough to earn a Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career.
The 2023 Comeback Player of the Year provides valuable insurance behind Burrow. Last season, Burrow missed nine games and has dealt with significant injuries in four of his six NFL seasons, including a torn ligament that ended his 2023 campaign and a season-ending knee injury during his rookie year. While he remains a top-tier quarterback when healthy, durability has been an ongoing concern. Burrow was able to finish the season and has been healthy enough to participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic this offseason.
With Browning joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, Flacco is expected to serve as Burrow’s primary backup. The Bengals have also added veteran quarterback Josh Johnson.
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