Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will have a familiar face backing him up in 2026. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Bengals, according to multiple reports, including confirmation from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
Free-agent QB Joe Flacco has agreed to a 1-year deal with the Bengals, per @JLSports3.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2026
The move provides the Bengals with a seasoned backup as insurance for Burrow, who has a history of injuries. Flacco’s return addresses a critical require for Cincinnati, particularly after the struggles of Jake Browning when filling in for Burrow last season. The Bengals clearly valued Flacco’s presence and performance enough to bring him back into the fold.
Flacco initially joined the Bengals mid-season in 2025 via a trade with the Cleveland Browns, becoming a key contributor when Burrow was sidelined. While his stint as the starter resulted in a 1-5 record, the offense often showed flashes of effectiveness under his leadership, averaging over 27 points per game when he was at the helm. Yet, defensive inconsistencies frequently hampered the team’s ability to secure victories.
One particularly memorable performance came against the Chicago Bears on November 2, 2025, where Flacco threw for a career-high 470 yards and four touchdowns in a 47-42 loss. Despite battling a shoulder injury the previous week, Flacco demonstrated his toughness and willingness to play through pain for his teammates, as noted by Bengals head coach Zac Taylor after the game. “Flacco, he could barely lift his arm this week, and he’s willing to go put himself out there for a bunch of teammates he’s known for three weeks,” Taylor said. “He’s a football player.”
During his six starts with the Bengals last season, Flacco completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. His ability to quickly connect with receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins was evident, and he seamlessly integrated himself into the locker room, forming a positive relationship with Burrow.
Flacco’s connection with Burrow was a significant benefit during his time in Cincinnati. He spoke positively about the opportunity to learn from and work alongside the younger quarterback. “I learned it was a lot of fun to be in a room with him,” Flacco said recently on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. “You grasp, be a part of that quarterback room. We’ve been watching him play for long enough now, we kind of know what his ability is about, but his ability to just play at his own pace and, not let the game speed him up, that’s kind of what you see when you tend to see really good quarterbacks and to see it up close and personal was definitely kind of confirmed those things.”
This isn’t the first time Flacco has been a Pro Bowl representative for the Bengals. According to Elias, it’s the first time in the 57 seasons of the merger that two quarterbacks on the same team in the Pro Bowl are on the same team at the start of the following season, a testament to the unusual circumstances of the 2025 season and the respect both quarterbacks earned.
The 41-year-old Flacco is entering his 19th NFL season, having previously played for the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and now, twice, the Cincinnati Bengals. His longevity in the league is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. The one-year contract is reportedly worth up to $9 million, with incentives potentially increasing the value.
Flacco’s return provides the Bengals with a veteran presence in the quarterback room and a reliable option should Burrow encounter any further health issues. His experience and leadership will be invaluable, particularly during the rigors of a long NFL season. The Bengals’ decision to re-sign Flacco underscores their commitment to building a strong and resilient quarterback corps.
The Bengals will begin their offseason workouts in April, providing Flacco with an opportunity to further familiarize himself with the offense and build rapport with his teammates. The team will be looking to build on their 2025 season and contend for a Super Bowl title in 2026, and having a dependable backup quarterback like Flacco will be crucial to their success.
The Bengals’ next key date is the NFL Draft, scheduled for April 25-27, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan. The team will look to add talent to their roster and address any remaining needs. Following the draft, the focus will shift to training camp and preparing for the upcoming season.
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