Browns Trade Joe Flacco to Division Rival After Benching
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The Browns are trading veteran QB Joe Flacco to the Bengals.
The Cleveland Browns are trading Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, just a week after benching the 40-year-old veteran.
The Browns are sending Flacco and a sixth-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for a fifth-round pick, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Cincinnati is desperate for a new direction at quarterback with Joe Burrow sidelined with a turf toe injury that could have him miss the remainder of the season. It’s the first trade between the Browns and Bengals since Cleveland returned to the NFL in 1999.
The Bengals see an opportunity to remain competitive in the wide-open AFC North. Cincinnati has lost three in a row after winning its first two, but is just one game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jake Browning has filled in for Burrow since the injury, throwing for 757 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions over four games. He’s also been sacked nine times during that span. Bengals coach Zac Taylor opened the door on a quarterback change following a 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.
“We’ll see where it goes. You know, I think like all personnel decisions, we’ve got to evaluate it,” Taylor said when asked if Browning will start on Sunday. “Jake’s been very accountable for how the game went for him. I’ve got to be accountable for how the game went for me as well. And so we’ll continue to progress here through the days.”
The Bengals and Browns faced off to open the season, with Cincy winning 17-16. The sides will see each other again on Jan. 4.
Joe Flacco Struggled With Browns
Now, with Flacco under center, the Bengals add an 18-year veteran who’s made more than 200 career starts. Flacco reunited with the Browns this offseason and earned the starting job out of training camp after competing with Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Kenny Pickett. Pickett suffered a hamstring injury early in camp and was later traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, paving the way for Flacco to take over.
Flacco went 1-3 as the starter in Cleveland, with the Browns averaging just 14 points per game under his command. He threw for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions, and also lost two fumbles — one of which was returned for a touchdown.
The Browns announced the decision to bench Flacco ahead of Week 5, making the move to go with Gabriel.
“This is not about one person. Joe is a captain of this football team. We’re going to need his leadership going forward, as always,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “[Dillon’s] handled everything well since he’s been on campus here. So just gonna have to support the young man.”
Browns Have Decision to Make With Shedeur Sanders
With Flacco now out of the picture and the quarterback depth chart narrowed down, the Browns will have to make a decision on Shedeur Sanders. The polarizing passer has served as the emergency quarterback on game days, only able to enter the game if both Flacco and Gabriel were injured.
Many expected Sanders to be promoted to the No. 2 spot after Flacco was benched, but the Browns opted to keep the veteran as the primary backup.
Cleveland also has Bailey Zappe stashed on the practice squad, while Deshaun Watson continues to make progress in his recovery from a twice-ruptured Achilles. Watson is trending in the right direction but remains at least a few weeks away from returning to the field. The Browns face the Steelers this week.
Kyler Gordon Makes Bold Statement: 'I'm Back and Nothing Can Stop Me from Helping the Team Win!'
After a long road to recovery, Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon is ready to return to action, and he’s not holding anything back. Following an extended absence due to an injury, Gordon has made it clear that he is back with a vengeance, determined to help the Bears get back on track in their quest for a successful 2025 season.
"I’ve spent a long time recovering, but now I’m back, and I have no intention of stopping," Gordon said after his return was confirmed for the Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders. "The team needs me, and I’ll do everything I can to help the team win. Nothing is going to stop me when I step onto that field."
A Long Road to Recovery
Gordon, who has been sidelined since training camp with a hamstring injury, is finally returning to the field, and his presence is a much-needed boost for the Bears' defense. His absence has been felt, with the secondary struggling at times to maintain coverage against explosive offenses. But with Gordon now ready to take the field, there’s hope that the defense can finally hit its stride.
"I know I’ve been gone for a while, but I’m feeling great now," Gordon continued. "The work I put in during my recovery has me ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. I’m here to help turn things around and contribute to the success of this team."
A Big Impact Expected
Gordon is expected to make an immediate impact upon his return. Known for his versatility, agility, and playmaking ability, Gordon is one of the top cornerbacks on the Bears' roster. His ability to lock down wide receivers and create turnovers will be crucial in boosting a defense that has shown flashes of potential but hasn’t quite put everything together this season.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus has expressed confidence in Gordon's return, saying, "Kyler is a huge part of our defense. His ability to cover the best receivers and play with physicality adds a lot to our unit. We’re excited to have him back."
The Road Ahead
The Bears have faced some tough losses to start the 2025 season, but with Gordon back in the lineup, they’re hopeful that they can turn things around. This Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders is a key test for the Bears' defense, and Gordon’s return could be the spark the team needs.
"I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get this defense back to where it needs to be," Gordon said with determination. "It’s not just about me, it’s about the team, and I’m ready to help get us back on the winning track."
With Gordon’s leadership and skill on the field, the Bears’ secondary will be much stronger moving forward. As the season progresses, fans can expect Gordon to be a key contributor to the team’s success, and his return marks a critical moment in the Bears’ season.
