The Cleveland Browns have made headlines once again in their storied and often tumultuous quarterback history by trading veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. In this deal, the Browns sent Flacco, along with a sixth-round pick, to Cincinnati in exchange for a fifth-round pick. At 40 years old, Flacco's role with the Browns diminished after being benched for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel prior to their Week 5 loss against the Minnesota Vikings in London.
With Flacco's exit, it appears that the Browns are preparing to elevate Bailey Zappe from their practice squad to serve as the primary backup. Additionally, there is speculation that rookie Shedeur Sanders may move up from the emergency quarterback position. This trade marks a notable moment in the rivalry, as it is the first time the Browns and Bengals have completed a trade with one another.
The trade inevitably brings back memories of the 2017 trade deadline when a bizarre situation unfolded involving the Browns and quarterback A.J. McCarron. At that time, then-Browns coach Hue Jackson was eager to acquire McCarron, who was informed he would be heading to Cleveland. However, due to a failure to finalize the paperwork before the 4 p.m. deadline, the deal fell through. This historical context adds an intriguing layer to the current trade as fans reflect on past near-misses.
The Bengals found themselves in need of a change after struggling under the leadership of Jake Browning. Following a series of disappointing performances, discussions about potential quarterback acquisitions intensified. With key players like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins healthy, adding Flacco could rejuvenate the Bengals' offense, which has stagnated in recent weeks.
Flacco, known for his ability to learn new offensive systems quickly, is expected to step in as the starter as early as Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, a team he has previously defeated this season. His experience is crucial, especially in effectively distributing the ball to playmakers like Chase and Higgins.
While Flacco brings a wealth of experience, there are legitimate concerns regarding his mobility in the pocket. The Bengals' offensive line has struggled, which raises questions about Flacco's ability to perform effectively under pressure. Coach Zac Taylor, along with offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, must devise strategies to protect Flacco and mitigate risks of turnovers, which have plagued him throughout his career.
The decision to acquire Flacco is also a strategic move considering the AFC North standings. With the division wide open, the Bengals believe that nine wins could secure a playoff spot. Currently sitting at 2-3, Cincinnati's schedule eases after this week, and if Flacco can inject some energy into the offense, it could keep the team competitive until Joe Burrow returns from injury.
On the other side, the Browns do not fully attribute their early-season offensive struggles to Flacco. However, a change was necessary, and the coaching staff, led by Kevin Stefanski, is hopeful that Gabriel can lead the team more effectively than Flacco did. In Gabriel’s first start, familiar issues resurfaced during the loss to Minnesota, highlighting the ongoing challenges the Browns face as they navigate their quarterback situation.
As the Browns and Bengals adjust to their new quarterback dynamics, fans will be watching closely to see how these changes impact both teams moving forward in the 2023 season.
