Joe Flacco’s time in Cincinnati was short, but it didn’t take long for him to make an impression. At 41 years old, the veteran quarterback brought a spark to the Bengals late in the season, delivering a memorable Thursday Night Football comeback win over the rival Steelers. It wasn’t enough to push Cincinnati into the postseason, but it was enough to remind everyone that Flacco still has something left in the tank.
Now, with the season in the rearview and free agency looming, Flacco faces a familiar offseason question: run it back for a 19th NFL season, or finally call it a career?
In a recent appearance on the BMore Football Podcast, Flacco addressed that very topic. And if you were expecting a farewell tour announcement, think again.
“A lot of guys talk about falling out of love with the game or just kind of knowing,” Flacco said. “I don’t think that’s hit me yet.”
That’s about as clear as it gets. Flacco still loves the game, and he’s not ready to walk away. The fire’s still burning, and he’s planning to suit up again in 2026 - if the right opportunity comes along.
Now, let’s talk fit. The Bengals might seem like a natural destination, considering how well Flacco meshed with the locker room and the fanbase.
But there’s a catch: Joe Burrow. He’s the franchise quarterback, and as long as he’s healthy, the starting job in Cincinnati is locked down.
And Flacco, by his own admission, isn’t looking to hold a clipboard.
He wants to compete. He wants a shot to start.
That likely means Flacco will be looking elsewhere this offseason - to a team with a shaky quarterback situation, or one in need of a seasoned veteran to guide a young signal-caller. There’s always a market for experience, especially when it comes with a Super Bowl ring and a reputation for staying cool under pressure.
What Flacco showed late in the year wasn’t just nostalgia. He proved he can still read a defense, still make the throws, and still command a huddle. For teams in need of stability - or simply looking for a reliable Plan B - he’s a name that will be on the radar.
So don’t count him out just yet. Joe Flacco isn’t ready to ride off into the sunset. He’s gearing up for one more run, and the only question now is where that next chapter will begin.