Joe Flacco Signs 1-Year Bengals Backup Deal

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has agreed to a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, returning to the team as a backup to starter Joe Burrow for the 2026 NFL season. The 41-year-old, who turns 41 this year, made the decision after exploring starting opportunities elsewhere during free agency, according to multiple reports from NFL insiders.

The deal carries a base value of $6 million and could reach $9 million with incentives, marking Flacco's most lucrative contract since his time with the Baltimore Ravens a decade ago. Cincinnati had been monitoring Flacco's situation closely, having signed journeyman Josh Johnson earlier in the offseason as a temporary option while awaiting the veteran's choice. Flacco, a former first-round pick of the Ravens in 2008, expressed interest in backing up Burrow if no starting role materialized, a scenario that played out as free agency progressed.

Flacco's connection to the Bengals dates back to last season, when he joined the team midyear amid Burrow's absence due to a turf toe injury in Week 2. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns on October 7 in exchange for a fifth-round pick, Flacco stepped in immediately and started six games. He...