Joe Flacco Returns to Bengals as Backup QB

0:00It's March 25th. This is NFL News Today football coverage, powered by AI. The Cincinnati Bengals are bringing back Joe Flacco as their backup quarterback on a one-year deal for 2026. The 41-year-old veteran embraced the role during his press conference this week, though he made it clear he'd jump at a starting job elsewhere. If offered, if offered, last season Flacco showed he still has plenty left. Following his first pro-ball selection after stepping in for an injured Joe Burrow over six games, with the Bengals, he also started four times for the Cleveland Browns, marking his busiest year since leading the Ravens full time back in 2017. Flacco expressed some frustration that no team saw him as a starter, despite his solid stats, including over 2,400 yards and 15 touchdowns. That fire fuels him, especially with Burrow missing significant time in three of his six pro-season so far. Several teams passed on Flacco for other options, but the dolphins handing a big contract to

1:01Malik Willis amid their roster rebuild, or the Jets, reuniting with Geno Smith. Clubs such as the Cardinals, Steelers and Vikings opted for in-house plans or cheaper vets, betting on youth or familiarity instead. As training camps heat up, the Bengals gained reliable depth with Flacco ready to contribute whenever called upon, keeping their quarterback room steady for another run.