Joe Flacco Plans 2026 Return - And That’s Good News for the Bengals
The Bengals have had their fair share of quarterback turbulence over the past year. Between Joe Burrow’s early-season injury and Jake Browning’s inconsistent play, Cincinnati was forced to make a rare move - trading within the division to bring in veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. And while the win-loss column didn’t exactly tilt in their favor during his six starts, Flacco brought something else to the table: stability, leadership, and a calming presence under center.
Now, there’s more reason for optimism in Cincinnati. According to a report from The Athletic, Flacco isn’t ready to hang it up just yet. After earning his first career Pro Bowl nod in his 18th NFL season - yes, his first - the 41-year-old plans to return for the 2026 campaign.
For the Bengals, that’s a quiet but meaningful win this offseason.
Why Flacco’s Return Matters
Let’s be clear: Flacco didn’t light up the scoreboard in his six starts, and the Bengals only came away with one win during that stretch. But the value he brought went beyond the box score. He gave the offense a veteran presence, made smart decisions with the football, and kept the team competitive despite a tough hand.
More importantly, he provided something the Bengals desperately needed - a reliable fallback option.
Joe Burrow is one of the league’s premier quarterbacks when healthy, but “when healthy” has become a bit of a caveat. Injuries have been a recurring theme in his young career, and as much as Cincinnati wants to build around him, they also need to be realistic about the importance of a capable backup.
That’s where Flacco fits in perfectly. He’s not coming in to take Burrow’s job. He’s the insurance policy you hope you never need but are grateful to have when things go sideways.
Could Flacco Look Elsewhere?
Of course, the report doesn’t lock Flacco into Cincinnati’s plans just yet. He’s made it clear he wants to keep playing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll suit up in orange and black again. If a team offers him a better shot at starting - or at least competing for a starting role - you’d have to think he’d consider it.
There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams out there. The Jets, Dolphins, Cardinals, Colts, and Steelers all come to mind as franchises that could be in the market for a veteran with Flacco’s experience. If one of them comes calling with a clearer path to the field, Cincinnati might have some competition.
But if the Bengals can keep him? That’s a win.
Flacco meshed well with the locker room, picked up the offense quickly, and gave the team a fighting chance in tough spots. After being acquired in a midseason trade with the Browns - a rare move between AFC North rivals - he stepped in and immediately looked like he belonged.
The Bottom Line
The Bengals are still Burrow’s team. That hasn’t changed, and it won’t. But in today’s NFL, where quarterback injuries are more the norm than the exception, depth at the position is critical.
Joe Flacco might not be the long-term answer, but in the short term, he’s exactly the kind of veteran presence you want in your quarterback room. If Cincinnati can bring him back for another year, it’s a smart, low-risk move that could pay off in a big way - especially if history repeats itself and Burrow misses time again.
For now, the door is open. Flacco wants to play.
The Bengals have every reason to want him back. Now it’s just a matter of making it happen.