The Cincinnati Bengals have some key decisions to make this offseason, and while their offensive core featuring Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown is locked in, the backup quarterback situation is up in the air.
The Bengals are facing a big choice regarding Joe Flacco, who stepped in admirably last season when Burrow was sidelined. Flacco's performance, with 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just four interceptions in nine games, earned him a Pro Bowl nod. Now, he's a free agent, and the Bengals must decide whether to bring him back.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, Flacco falls into the category of "Backups likely to net guaranteed money," projecting an annual salary between $6 million and $12 million. This isn't a small sum, especially for a backup, but it reflects Flacco's value and experience.
The question is whether Cincinnati will invest in Flacco again or look elsewhere. Last season, they turned to Flacco after Jake Browning's struggles and mid-season trade efforts to stabilize their campaign. Letting Flacco walk could be risky, considering how crucial his role was.
If the Bengals decide to retain him, they’ll need to budget between $6 million and $12 million, a fair price for a seasoned backup who’s already proven his worth to the team. It's a decision that could significantly impact their depth and stability heading into the new season.