The Cincinnati Bengals are staring down a pivotal offseason - and not just because they’ve missed the playoffs three years running. Yes, they’ve got cap space to work with, but they’ve also got some serious decisions to make.
One of the most underrated? Quarterback depth.
Let’s be clear: when Joe Burrow is healthy, he’s elite. Top-tier.
The kind of quarterback who can take over games, elevate everyone around him, and keep defensive coordinators up at night. Pair him with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and you’ve got one of the most dangerous offensive trios in football.
But here’s the rub - Burrow hasn’t been consistently healthy. In fact, he’s only made it through three of his six seasons without a major injury.
That’s a trend the Bengals can’t ignore anymore. If they want to be serious contenders, they need a backup quarterback who can step in and keep the offense afloat without missing a beat.
This isn’t a luxury move. It’s a necessity.
Jake Browning had his shot in 2025, and while there were flashes, the inconsistency was hard to miss. He’s a restricted free agent now, and signs point to Cincinnati exploring other options. Enter Joe Flacco.
Yes, that Joe Flacco.
The Bengals traded for the veteran late last season after Browning’s struggles continued, and Flacco brought a calming presence to the offense. He didn’t just manage the game - he helped stabilize things. According to reporting from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Cincinnati liked what they saw and are interested in bringing Flacco back.
“The Bengals have expressed interest in re-signing quarterback Joe Flacco,” Fowler said Saturday. “They believe he’s a valuable backup who can be a viable starting option if Joe Burrow gets injured again.”
That kind of veteran insurance is exactly what the Bengals need. But keeping Flacco in Cincinnati might not be so simple.
After his solid play down the stretch - and a surprise Pro Bowl nod - Flacco’s stock is up. He may have more than one suitor.
The Minnesota Vikings, for example, could view him as a bridge quarterback while they groom a younger talent. The Pittsburgh Steelers are also reportedly in the mix.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Aaron Rodgers is a free agent, and while there’s mutual interest between him and the Steelers after a 2025 stint that both sides felt good about, nothing’s locked in. If Rodgers doesn’t return to Pittsburgh - where he’d be reunited with Mike McCarthy, his old Super Bowl-winning head coach - Flacco could be next in line. If that happens, Flacco would complete a rare feat: playing for every team in the AFC North.
Ultimately, this decision may rest with Flacco himself. Does he want another shot at starting?
If so, Pittsburgh or Minnesota might offer the clearest path. But if he’s content backing up one of the league’s premier quarterbacks and staying in a system that fits, Cincinnati makes a lot of sense.
For the Bengals, the priority is clear: they can’t afford to get caught without a reliable Plan B at quarterback. Burrow is the franchise, but history says they need to be ready if he goes down. Flacco might just be the perfect answer - if they can keep him in stripes.