Joe Flacco is set to continue his journey in the NFL with a fresh one-year contract, reportedly worth $6 million, which includes an opportunity to earn an additional $3 million through incentives, as reported by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. This marks an exciting return to the Cincinnati Bengals for the veteran quarterback after a notable Pro Bowl season in 2025.
At 41 years old, Flacco joins a Bengals squad that has also brought in veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on May 15. The addition of both players signifies Cincinnati’s strategy to bolster their quarterback roster.
The decision to bring Flacco back aligns with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor’s remarks late last season about Flacco’s potential return for the 2026 season. “I think it’d be valuable,” Taylor stated. “I think he’s a starting quarterback in the NFL. Anytime you’ve experienced that and you’re able to get him back, that’d be great.”
Entering his 19th NFL season, Flacco was originally selected as the 18th overall pick in 2008. He spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, highlighted by a triumphant playoff run in 2012 that concluded with him earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Flacco dazzled during that playoff series, amassing 1,140 yards, 11 touchdowns, and no interceptions, including three touchdown passes in the Super Bowl victory against the 49ers.
Flacco’s career has seen significant transitions, particularly after Lamar Jackson succeeded him in 2018. He played for four more teams before joining the Bengals last season via a trade. He initially started with division rivals Cleveland before making six starting appearances for Cincinnati, a move prompted by Jake Browning’s struggles while stepping in for Joe Burrow, who suffered a toe injury early in the season. Interestingly, both Burrow and Flacco represented the AFC in this past Pro Bowl.
Despite a challenging record of one win in six starts, Flacco led the Bengals to a commendable offensive average of 27.2 points per game. The defense posed a challenge, allowing an average of 34 points during that timeframe.
While Flacco may not find himself in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his career stats speak volumes. He ranks 14th in NFL history with 48,176 passing yards and 21st with 272 touchdown passes. Remarkably, only Tom Brady surpasses Flacco in road playoff victories, as Flacco’s eight wins are matched only by Hall of Famer Roger Staubach for the second-most in history.
