Joe Flacco is weighing potential starting opportunities or a return to the Cincinnati Bengals, with retirement also on the table.
Joe Flacco finished the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Bengals after a midseason trade from the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati acquired him in October, giving up a 2026 fifth-round pick and receiving a sixth-rounder in return. Flacco took over during Joe Burrow’s absence and provided veteran quarterback play in relief.
In 13 games played overall this season, Flacco threw for 2,479 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 60.3% of his passes with both Cleveland and Cincinnati. He made 10 starts, including six with the Bengals, demonstrating he still can manage an NFL offense.
With Burrow back to full health and the 2025 season now over for Flacco, it’s unclear if he will return to Cincinnati for another season, seek a starting job elsewhere or retire in the offseason. But CBS Sports recently argues that Cincinnati should strongly consider keeping Flacco for another season following his effective stint in 2025.
Reasons to Keep Joe Flacco, Retirement Considerations and Potential Landing Spots
One reason keeping Flacco makes sense is experience. At age 41 in his 18th NFL season, he has started 201 career games. A Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, Flacco could be an important voice in the locker room. Plus his familiarity with Cincinnati’s offense and knowing the Bengals’ receivers could make him an attractive bridge backup in 2026 if Burrow is healthy.
Flacco has spoken about not having retirement fully settled in his mind.
“I don’t think that’s hit me yet,” he said during an appearance on the “BMore Football Podcast” on Saturday. He also mentioned that he still enjoys the game and feels capable of playing at a high level and added that age is not a barrier if one still wants to compete.
Another factor is starting opportunities elsewhere. Flacco remains open to competitive offers where he might start again rather than serve strictly as backup. He told reporters back in November that he would like another starting opportunity in 2026, but acknowledged that offers vary and nothing is certain.
Outside of the Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been mentioned as one team that could value Flacco’s experience, though nothing official has been reported.
The decision for Cincinnati to retain Flacco likely hinges on several factors: Burrow’s health, Flacco’s own desire to continue playing, financial considerations, and the quarterback room’s depth. Keeping Flacco as a seasoned backup would maintain continuity and provide insurance for another potential Burrow absence.
Retirement remains a possibility, but Flacco’s comments indicate he is not ready to end his career yet, leaving multiple landing spots possible in 2026 and beyond.