The Cincinnati Bengals have acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and a 6th round pick from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 5th round pick.
The Bengals have struggled offensively since franchise QB Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in Week 2. While head coach Zac Taylor had publicly backed Jake Browning, it became apparent over the last 3 games that a change under centre was needed.
Across parts of 3.5 games, Browning had thrown for 757 yards, 6 TDs, and 8 INTs. He also took 9 sacks, and completed 64.5% of his passes. With the season beginning to slip away following a third straight lopsided loss, Cincinnati’s front office opted to bring in a new face to the QB room.
Enter Joe Flacco. Since winning a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, Flacco has been a bit of a hired gun, spending time in Denver, New York, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Cleveland once again. The 40 year old signal caller began the season as the Browns QB1, but was benched in favour of rookie Dillon Gabriel this week.
In 4 games with the Browns this year Flacco threw for 815 yards, 2 TDs, and 6 INTs. While it’s unclear how much fuel the 6’6″, 245lb QB has left in his tank, it at least gives fans a reason to tune in for Cincinnati’s upcoming contest vs. the Green Bay Packers.
“Joe is an experienced quarterback with a history of winning,” Taylor said in a statement released by the team. “He is a leader with a skill set that will fit our personnel well. He is a gifted passer with a strong arm, and we are excited to have him on our team.”
In a corresponding move, the Bengals released quarterback Brett Rypien on Tuesday.
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