You couldn't make this stuff up. Joe Flacco, who just turned 41 in January, is heading to Cincinnati on a one-year, $6 million deal. That's a decent chunk of change for a guy who, just a few months ago, was essentially retired, sitting on his couch watching RedZone. Then the Browns came calling in November, and Flacco went on a run that had everyone — including me — wondering if he'd found the Fountain of Youth. He threw for over 300 yards in four straight games, something he hadn't done since 2016 with the Ravens, leading Cleveland to a 4-1 record and a playoff berth. That stretch included a wild 36-22 win over the Texans where he tossed for 368 yards and three scores. Now, he's a Bengal. The AFC North just got a little weirder.
Let's be real, this is about Joe Burrow's health. Burrow’s wrist injury against the Ravens in Week 11 last season derailed what looked like another Super Bowl push for Cincinnati. He finished the year with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions in 10 games, a far cry from his 2022 numbers (35 TDs, 12 INTs) when he led the Bengals to the AFC Championship. Jake Browning stepped in and played admirably, throwing for 1,936 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven picks in his nine starts, including a memorable 34-31 overtime victory against the Vikings. But Browning is a restricted free agent, and while the Bengals will likely tender him, Flacco brings something different. He's got a Super Bowl ring from 2012, an MVP trophy from that same postseason, and 18 years of starting experience in the AFC. He's been there, done that, and he's seen every defensive scheme under the sun.
Thing is, this isn't just about having a veteran presence. This is about having a legitimate starting-caliber quarterback waiting in the wings if Burrow misses time again. Remember, Burrow’s had the ACL tear in 2020, the appendectomy before the 2022 season, and now the wrist. Durability has become a real concern. Flacco proved last year he can still sling it. He completed 60.3% of his passes for 1,616 yards in five starts for the Browns, reviving their season. That wasn't some flash-in-the-pan. That was a guy who knew the offense quickly and executed.
Here's my hot take: this isn't just a backup signing; this is a calculated chess move that could actually win the Bengals a few extra games if Burrow goes down. People are going to scoff, pointing to Flacco's age, but he just showed he can still perform at a high level. He’s got arguably better weapons in Cincinnati with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins than he did in Cleveland. Imagine Flacco stepping in for a few weeks and throwing to those guys. It's not going to be Burrow, but it’s a hell of a lot better than most teams' backup situations.
Cincinnati knows what they're getting: a big arm, a calm demeanor, and a guy who isn't afraid of big moments. He was 9-2 in the playoffs for the Ravens between 2008 and 2012. He beat Tom Brady and Peyton Manning on the road in the same postseason. He's got ice in his veins. This signing says the Bengals are all-in on 2024, and they're not leaving anything to chance.
Bold prediction: If Joe Burrow misses more than four games this season, Flacco starts and leads the Bengals to at least a .500 record in those starts, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt.