Flacco's Bengals Start Deepens Browns Backlash

The Cleveland Browns traded veteran QB Joe Flacco to AFC North rival Cincinnati in early October, sending Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 fifth as GM Andrew Berry said the move was meant to accelerate evaluation of the team's rookie quarterbacks. The trade has drawn intense backlash after Flacco led the Bengals to a primetime comeback over the Steelers, completing 31-of-47 for 342 yards and three touchdowns in that game and combining for 60-of-92 for 561 yards, five TDs and no turnovers across his two starts. Cleveland media and fans have reacted furiously — including on-air rants by Tony Rizzo — amid criticism that trading a veteran to a divisional rival for only a modest draft upgrade was poor roster management. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he downplayed watching Flacco’s performance, but Cleveland’s offense has nonetheless cratered in metrics and rookie options Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have yet to provide stability. With the NFL trade deadline looming Nov. 4, the Browns have already been involved in other personnel moves and are discussing additional roster changes, heightening pressure on GM Andrew Berry and owner Jimmy Haslam.