Joe Flacco traded from the Browns to the Bengals as Shedeur Sanders steps up as QB2. What this bold AFC North move means for both teams.
The Joe Flacco trade is shaking up the AFC North…and yes, things just got spicy. 💅
The Cleveland Browns are sending quarterback Joe Flacco and a 6th-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a 5th-rounder, marking one of the most surprising mid-season moves yet.
For the Browns, this signals a shift toward the future.
With Shedeur Sanders now stepping up as QB2, Cleveland seems ready to lean into youth, swagger, and serious potential. Shedeur’s been waiting for his moment and with Flacco gone, that window just opened wide.
Meanwhile in Cincinnati, this is a strategic (and slightly dramatic) power move.
With Joe Burrow still not at 100%, bringing in a Super Bowl MVP like Flacco gives the Bengals experience, leadership, and depth. He’s the definition of calm under pressure and that could be exactly what this team needs to stay playoff relevant.
Whether you love the move or hate it, one thing’s for sure: the AFC North just turned into must-watch reality TV.
✅ More Sources You Can Rely On
- Reuters — Bengals acquire QB Joe Flacco from Browns
Confirms that Cincinnati acquired Flacco and a sixth-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Reuters - Bleacher Report — Shedeur Sanders Named QB2 Behind Dillon Gabriel
Confirms that after the Flacco move, Shedeur was officially slotted as the Browns’ backup (QB2). Bleacher Report - NBC Sports — Shedeur Sanders named Browns backup QB
Reports that head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Sanders will serve as the Browns’ backup QB for the upcoming game. NBC Sports - ESPN — Shedeur: “Whatever Browns role is, I’m thankful”
Offers Sanders’ own remarks about his mindset in light of uncertainty in the QB room. ESPN.com - Cleveland Browns official site — “Flacco’s Back: Browns agree to terms with QB Joe Flacco”
Confirms Flacco signed with Cleveland earlier, before any trade speculation. Cleveland Browns
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