The New York Giants best chance to trade one of their two veteran backup quarterbacks, Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston, may have gone up in smoke Tuesday when the Cleveland Browns traded quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals, floundering with three straight losses after star quarterback Joe Burrow underwent surgery for a toe injury expected to keep him out at least three months, acquired Flacco from Cleveland in a pick swap. The Browns are receiving a 2026 fifth-round draft pick in the trade, while the Bengals are getting a 2026 sixth-rounder in addition to Flacco.
There had been speculation recently that Cincinnati could be interested in Wilson in exchange for a Day 3 draft pick. Per source, the Bengals never contacted the Giants about the availability of either Wilson or Winston.
Cincinnati (2-3) had lost all three games with Jake Browning starting at quarterback following Burrow’s injury. Browning has eight interceptions and six touchdown passes this season.
The 40-year-old Flacco is in his 18th NFL season. He started Cleveland’s first four games this season before being replaced by rookie Dillon Gabriel with the Browns at 1-3. Flacco has completed 58.1% of his passes this season with six interceptions and just two touchdowns.
Shedeur Sanders is now the backup quarterback in Cleveland.
With Jaxson Dart starting at quarterback for the Giants, it would make sense for them to try and acquire something in return for one of their two veteran backup QBs. Whether or not there might be another team in the quarterback market before next month’s NFL trade deadline, though, is unclear.
See More:
