Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Flacco returns to Cincinnati Bengals on one-year deal

Published

March 24, 2026

Closeup shot of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco.

Sam Greene/The Enquirer -- IMAGN IMAGES

The Cincinnati Bengals are re-signing free agent QB Joe Flacco to a one-year deal with a maximum value of $9 million, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Comp update: Flacco is getting a $6M deal with a max value of $9M with incentives, per source. https://t.co/WURWMHin9C

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— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 24, 2026

The move brings ease to the concerns over the backup quarterback position. The Bengals can now lock in their QB2 to back Joe Burrow, who almost always seems to be at a heightened risk for injury.

Flacco started six games for the Bengals last season after being traded by the Cleveland Browns. He put up 1,664 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions.

While the Bengals went 1-5 in those games, he proved he can still be a solid contributor and now appears to be one of the best backup QBs in the NFL.

James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker

About the Author Published Mar 24, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.