The Cincinnati Bengals are 2-3 and looking to make a postseason run, even without Joe Burrow at quarterback. When Burrow left the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jake Browning led the team to a win to put Cincinnati at 2-0.
But in the three games since, Browning has been one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL. The Bengals initially committed to Browning as the starter, but after his most recent performance against the Detroit Lions, the Bengals are making a move.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Bengals are swinging a rare in-division trade with the Cleveland Browns, as they’re adding veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. But what did it cost for the Bengals to make a trade for a new starting quarterback?
What did the Bengals give up to land Joe Flacco from the Browns?
The Bengals are sending a 5th-round pick to the Browns in exchange for Flacco and a 6th-round pick. Both draft picks are in the 2026 NFL draft.
Trade: Browns are trading QB Joe Flacco and a 6th-round pick to the Bengals for a 5th-round pick. pic.twitter.com/VbIorM9985
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2025
After Browning struggled in his three starts since taking over for Burrow, the Bengals have seen enough and are making the switch at quarterback. The move doesn’t cost the Bengals much in draft capital, as they’re moving just one round back in the 2026 NFL draft.
What makes this move even better for Cincinnati is that if Flacco can help lead the Bengals to some wins to stay afloat until Burrow comes back, then the Bengals might not move too far back in the draft, with Cleveland likely having a bad record.
Making a trade for a new starting quarterback was an expected outcome for the Bengals. With the Baltimore Ravens at 1-4, and the Pittsburgh Steelers not too far ahead of the Bengals’ 2-3 record at 3-1, the Bengals aren’t far out of first place in the division.
This move is also an indication that the Bengals are hopeful that Burrow can return later this season. Cincinnati is committing to this team as a playoff-caliber roster, and with how great Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown are, it makes sense.
The Bengals sent a 2026 5th-round pick to land their new starting quarterback, along with a 2026 6th-round pick to round out the rare in-division trade to bring a new starter to Cincinnati.
It’s a worthwhile move for the Bengals and should help improve the offense as they wait for Burrow to return later this season.
