CIN Joe Flacco
NFL quarterback. Position: QB. Team: CIN.
Quick Facts
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Team: CIN (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Experience: 19th season in NFL (since 2008)
- MVP: Super Bowl XLVII MVP
2026 Outlook
Joe Flacco is the NFL's top-ranked backup quarterback and the most important insurance policy for the Bengals given Joe Burrow's injury history. At 36 years old, Flacco is showing no signs of decline after earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2025. Last season he threw 13 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions in 6 starts, including a career-high 472 yards in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears. During a three-game stretch in Weeks 7–9, Flacco was among the best quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the Bengals to victories despite organizational chaos. He's a Super Bowl champion who offers hope even in worst situations, and the Bengals re-signed him to a one-year deal because they trust him to step in if Burrow goes down again (per Bengals' Joe Flacco tops NFL backup QB ranking). Flacco will be featured in Netflix's "Quarterback" documentary this summer.
Elite at-age-36 form (Sept 27): USA Today's comprehensive backup QB ranking ranks Flacco #1 across the entire league, citing his "lively" arm strength (among the best remaining in the NFL despite his age) and "cool demeanor to settle a team in turmoil" as core qualities. The ranking underscores why the Bengals prioritize depth at QB given Burrow's 16 missed starts since 2023 season start—Flacco is the insurance policy that makes Cincinnati confident in rolling deep under center. His Pro Bowl nod last season was described as "overdue" recognition for a 19-year veteran who remains elite among backups (per Ranking every NFL backup quarterback after wave of injuries - USA Today).
Potential trade target for Giants (Sept 23): With Jaxson Dart out for the season, the Giants are exploring QB trade options. Flacco is one of five candidates, particularly because he has a history with HC John Harbaugh—they spent 11 seasons together with the Ravens (2008-2018), winning a Super Bowl in 2012. CBS Sports notes Flacco proved he could step in immediately when joining the Bengals mid-season last year (219 yards and 2 TDs in his debut, though in a loss). The Bengals would probably prefer to keep Flacco given Joe Burrow's injury history, but the two front offices are familiar with each other after the Dexter Lawrence trade, so anything is possible. (per Five QB trades the Giants could make with Jaxson Dart out for season)
Role / Depth Chart
Backup QB behind Joe Burrow.
Injury Status
Healthy. Playing at age 36 with no reported injuries.
Recent News
- 2026-09-25 — Joe Flacco Responds to Giants Trade Rumors (Joe Flacco Responds to Giants Trade Rumors)
- 2026-09-24 — Why a Giants trade for Joe Flacco in wake of Jaxson Dart injury makes sense...and why... (Why a Giants trade for Joe Flacco in wake of Jaxson Dart injury makes sense...and why...)
- 2026-08-14 — Joe Burrow starts and backup Joe Flacco throws a TD pass as Bengals beat Lions 16-14 (Joe Burrow starts and backup Joe Flacco throws a TD pass as Bengals beat Lions 16-14)
- 2026-07-17 — Joe Flacco Gives Blunt Take on Playing With Browns QB Shedeur Sanders (Joe Flacco Gives Blunt Take on Playing With Browns QB Shedeur Sanders)
- 2026-03-09 — Tennessee Titans free agency tracker live updates, free agent signings, top NFL... (Tennessee Titans free agency tracker live updates, free agent signings, top NFL...)
- 2026-03-04 — QB predictions for every NFL team: From Malik Willis sweepstakes to Flacco’s next stop... (QB predictions for every NFL team: From Malik Willis sweepstakes to Flacco’s next stop...)
- 2026-03-03 — Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa and why the NFL’s QB market has become a staring contest (Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa and why the NFL’s QB market has become a staring contest)
- 2026-03-01 — 2026 NFL combine buzz: Intel on free agency, trades, QBs (2026 NFL combine buzz: Intel on free agency, trades, QBs)
- 2026-05-19 — Wide Receiver Tiers, Value Picks, and Players to Avoid (Wide Receiver Tiers, Value Picks, and Players to Avoid)
- 2026-06-15 — 3 Late-Round Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target (2026) (3 Late-Round Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target (2026))