Bengals’ Joe Burrow Had Words on Joe Flacco Ahead of NFL Season

When NFL teams report to training camp in July, few will have a quarterback room that includes two former Super Bowl starters. It’s the kind of depth contending teams could only wish for, but the Cincinnati Bengals will enjoy this luxury at the most important position in football. 

Joe Burrow enters his seventh NFL season as the franchise quarterback and the centerpiece of a roster widely viewed as a legitimate contender. Behind him is Joe Flacco, who returns for a second season after re-signing on a one-year deal worth $6 million, with incentives that could increase the value to $9 million.

Burrow was recently asked about Flacco's return on “The Sports Seriously Podcast,” and discussed how thrilled he is to have the seasoned veteran quarterback as his backup. 

“I am excited to have Joe back,” Burrow said. “He’s a guy that I like. I think we’re pretty similar people. He’s a funny guy, fun guy to be around and played well when he was in there.”

Flacco's production last season went beyond simply filling in. After Burrow suffered a turf toe injury and Jake Browning struggled, the Bengals acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 7 in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick.

He quickly stabilized the position, completing 158 of 256 passes for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions across nine appearances, including six starts. The performance earned Flacco his first Pro Bowl selection.

Flacco, who turned 41 in January, had previously expressed his intention to be a starter next season after shutting down retirement rumors in February (h/t Up And Adams Show). However, the Bengals did enough to convince him to play behind Burrow. 

“I love the building,” Flacco said after signing his new contract. “I enjoyed being there, and I’m excited about being back with the fellas.”

Flacco's contract includes two void years and carries a 2026 cap hit of approximately $3.3 million, giving Cincinnati one of the league's most experienced backup quarterbacks at a manageable cost.

His résumé remains one of the most accomplished among active quarterbacks. He won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, ranks 14th in NFL history in passing yards, and is fewer than 2,000 yards away from reaching 50,000 for his career. He has played 18 NFL seasons across six franchises and has experienced virtually every situation an NFL quarterback can face.

The Bengals open the season Sept. 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Burrow will lead the offense as Cincinnati attempts to return to the playoffs after three consecutive absences, while Flacco will be ready if needed.