Joe Flacco signed a one-year deal in NFL free agency to return to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he started six games last season in place of star quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals were just 1-5 in those starts, but Flacco’s veteran presence and experience, which includes a Super Bowl win with the Baltimore Ravens, should continue to serve the Bengals well.
Even though Flacco seems happy to be back in Cincinnati, he made it clear when speaking to the media that he was looking for an opportunity to start, and it never came. It’s fair to say that Flacco feels like he has a chip on his shoulder coming into the 2026 season.
“I think I can get all caught up in all that and say, ‘Why not me’ and be bitter about it,” Flacco said on Wednesday. “I probably do feel that way. Yeah, it pisses me off a little bit. But at the same time, I’m very happy to be here. I had a lot of fun with Joe, and Joe’s the guy. And believe me, I wish I was the guy somewhere, and think teams are dumb for not having be that guy.”
Flacco, 41, was traded to the Bengals midseason last year and played well enough, tossing 13 touchdowns against four interceptions. His $9 million deal to back up Burrow shouldn’t be overlooked, but it’s clear he was hoping to get another starting opportunity before he retires. Flacco’s strong performance led to his first Pro Bowl nomination last season.
There aren’t many open jobs for quarterbacks remaining, and those teams would probably be open to drafting a new passer before signing Flacco. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals have openings to an extent, but both are expected to be interested in drafting at the position next month. The Cardinals also signed Gardner Minshew, while the Steelers are still poking around the Aaron Rodgers market.
More News: Eagles Urged to Consider Trade for Former Pro Bowler
More News: Saints Sign Former Top Pick to Back Up QB Tyler Shough
Despite not getting the job he wanted, Flacco is preparing to play again this season if Burrow experiences another injury, which has become more common. The Bengals are hoping to return to the playoffs with an offense loaded with elite weapons, and the former Comeback Player of the Year is ready to prove the rest of the NFL wrong.
“That’s part of why I’m still here and playing,” Flacco said. “I feel like I can help a team win. And yeah, it may be in a different role here, but I do still think I can help this team win in that role. I’m just gonna approach my job like a professional and be the best I can be in my role and have fun with the guys in this locker room. Listen, I’m a football player. I want to go out there and play and I want to still want to show people that.”