The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into the coming offseason with plenty of cap space — and plenty of work to do — as they try to claw their way back into the playoffs after three straight years on the outside.
One of those needs that isn’t being talked about enough is quarterback.
Joe Burrow, when healthy, is among the best in the league. The idea of facing a fully healthy Burrow with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the outside probably keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
The problem is, he isn’t healthy all the time.
Burrow has finished only three of his six seasons without some sort of major injury, which makes investing in a reliable backup quarterback a necessity, not a luxury.
Jake Browning is a restricted free agent, but after his uneven play when called upon in 2025, the Bengals are likely to go in a different direction.
That direction could be Joe Flacco.
After Browning’s struggles lingered, Cincinnati traded for Flacco, and he helped stabilize the offense. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals are now interested in bringing him back.
“The Bengals have expressed interest in re-signing quarterback Joe Flacco,” Fowler said Saturday. “They believe he’s a valuable backup who can be a viable starting option if Joe Burrow gets injured again.”
Still, Flacco may have options.
After playing well in Cincinnati and earning his first Pro Bowl selection, Fowler noted that teams like the Vikings could view Flacco as a bridge to a younger, less-experienced quarterback. He also mentioned the Steelers as a potential landing spot.
Aaron Rodgers hasn’t called it quits yet. He’s a free agent, and both he and Pittsburgh were reportedly satisfied with how things went in 2025. If Rodgers returns, he would be reunited with Mike McCarthy — the duo ironically beat the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.
If that reunion doesn’t happen, Fowler believes Flacco could be high on Pittsburgh’s list. Should that occur, Flacco would complete the AFC North circuit, having played for every team in the division.
Ultimately, this may come down to what Flacco wants.
He may not be content sitting behind Burrow. If he’s looking for another shot at a starting job, Pittsburgh or Minneapolis could make sense. If he’s comfortable backing up one of the league’s best and competing for a playoff spot, staying in Cincinnati is a logical move.
So, what do you think?
Do you want to see Flacco back in stripes in 2026, or should the Bengals look elsewhere?
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