Joe Flacco joining Bengals roster gets mixed reactions

This is the first trade between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns since 1999.
Cleveland Browns' Joe Flacco talks after an NFL football game Sagainst the Green Bay Packers unday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Cleveland Browns' Joe Flacco talks after an NFL football game Sagainst the Green Bay Packers unday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
SPORTS CULTURE
By Brooke Bunch
14 hours ago
X

The Bengals have everyone buzzing after trading for Browns quarterback Joe Flacco earlier this week, with head coach Zac Taylor announcing Flacco will be making his first start in orange and black Sunday against the Packers.

This big move puts Jake Browning on the backburner, and more appropriately, the bench — after three weeks in the starting lineup in Joe Burrow’s absence that resulted in blowout losses and five interceptions.

The Bengals-Browns trade led to a range of sentiments across social media, with some expressing optimism while others failing to see how it was an improvement.

- Here’s the thing: Every chance you have to get into the playoffs with someone like Joe Burrow at quarterback is gold. And so if Joe Flacco gives Cincinnati a shot to sneak into a depleted AFC bracket with Burrow back in the saddle, then the price here is steal.

- Just replacing a chair on the deck of the titanic. Flacco got benched last season. He got benched this season. Not sure how he lasts behind that OL.

- He knows the AFC North extremely well, and they still have five division games left.

- Joe Flacco completed 58% of his passes and posted a passer rating of 60.3. Yet the Bengals believe he can help them.

Others were quick to joke about the timing of the trade and the Bengals facing off against Green Bay Sunday.

- Joe Flacco just beat the Packers with the Browns ... we play the Packers this week 😂😂

- Joe Flacco about to beat the Packers twice in one year.

- The ultimate troll job would be if Flacco walks up to the D line of Green Bay and introduces himself as “Hi, I’m Joe” after just beating them a couple weeks ago.

Quick to resurface on social media after news of Tuesday’s trade – a brief exchange between Burrow and Flacco following the Bengals’ 17–16 win over the Browns in Week 1. Mics caught Burrow telling Flacco, “Good job, man. Looking forward to watching you this year.”

Fans posting their reactions online:

- Premonition…

- Almost creepy 🫢🤣🤣🤣

- Weird looking back now, kind of a self-fulfilled prophecy

- A full circle moment

According to an article on Sports Illustrated (si.com), Burrow will be watching Flacco try and keep the Bengals’ post-season hopes alive over the next few months to help Cincinnati secure a spot in the AFC playoffs. Early estimates have Burrow returning by Week 16 in late December when the Bengals take on the Miami Dolphins.

This is the first trade between the Bengals and the Browns since 1999.

Content Creator Brooke Bunch may be reached at brooke_bunch@yahoo.com.

In Other News
1
Former Bengals player Rudi Johnson’s death sparks grief — and questions...
2
Bengals set dubious franchise record for most lopsided loss in 38-point...
3
Isaiah Rodgers races into Vikings record book with pair of defensive...
4
Cincinnati to wear ‘White Bengals’ helmet, uniforms for TNF matchup...
5
Bengals fans living in Kansas City still hold season tickets, ready for...

About the Author

Brooke is an executive speechwriter and brand strategist with an interior design hobby. She's an aspiring wake surfer, novelist and Miami University of Ohio graduate. Reach her at brooke_bunch@yahoo.com.