Ex-Browns QB Joe Flacco Gives Blunt Reaction to Trade
Getty Images
Joe Flacco was surprised by the trade that sent him from the Browns to the Bengals.
Joe Flacco admitted he didn’t see it coming, but the veteran quarterback is embracing his new start in Cincinnati after being traded from the Cleveland Browns to the division-rival Bengals.
Flacco is set to start for the Bengals on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers after Monday’s trade. He’s adjusting to a new playbook and teammates, but the 40-year-old is eager to get another chance to prove himself.
“I feel like I have a lot to offer to a football team. I feel like I’ve put in a lot of work my whole life to get to this point,” Flacco said on Friday in his first media availability since the trade. “You only get a chance to play in the NFL once. I don’t want to take that for granted. I still can play this game at a high level.
“That’s what I play for, to win football games and help everybody be at their best. I hope I can come in here and give these guys my best and elevate us as much as I possibly can.”
Browns, Joe Flacco Surprised by Trade
The Browns benched Flacco after a 1-3 start in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. Despite losing his spot on the depth chart, Flacco was still surprised by the trade.
“Crazy business. You have to be ready for anything. That’s what it was,” Flacco said. “I didn’t have this on my list of things that were going to happen. But that’s this league. I’m a player and most players would say the same thing. I love to play football. If that’s in Cincinnati right now, I’m all for it.”
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also admitted that he was surprised by the trade.
“Well, first I have to tell you is that the Joe trade took us by surprise,” Stefanski said. “That was not something that we saw coming. They called us and it happened very fast and happened not too long ago. Still working through all roster type of things. I always have to be mindful of our players and our players’ development and I want to make sure that I’m always doing what’s best for our players and, of course, our team.”
Flacco will now be looking to build chemistry with two elite wide receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It’s a more talented arsenal than what he had available in Cleveland.
“If you can’t throw to them and get on the same page with them, then you’re in trouble,” Flacco said.
Browns Officially Name Shedeur Sanders Backup
The trade of Flacco opened the path for Shedeur Sanders to be named the backup to Gabriel. After some speculation that practice squad QB Bailey Zappe could jump Sanders, the Browns made that decision official on Friday.
“Shedeur will be the backup,” Stefanski said. “I’m always thinking about our players and what’s best for our players. And I want to make sure when it comes to young football players, particularly at the quarterback position, that you are intentional about your decision-making, and that’s really all it is. So excited for all of our guys.”
The move puts pressure on Gabriel, although he’s at no risk of losing his grip on the starting job soon unless he struggles mightily. He’ll draw his second career start on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a key divisional matchup.
Shocking Drama Unfolds on The Bold and the Beautiful: Liam Faces a Life-Changing Decision, Deke’s Dangerous Scheme, and Deacon Gets Busted
The Bold and the Beautiful spoilers for Monday, October 13 suggest some wild curveballs! For one thing, we could see what happens next for Hope Logan (Annika Noelle) and Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton). Deke Sharpe (Harrison Cone) is pulling a desperate con. Plus, Sheila Carter Sharpe (Kimberlin Brown) will follow Deacon Sharpe (Sean Kanan). Keep reading and let’s talk about what is coming up in the next episode of the CBS soap opera.
Liam Spencer’s Future
Let’s start off with Liam, who seems to have finally got the woman he wants.
Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor) could sense that Hope was getting pulled closer to Liam.
The COO has been through this before, and knows heartbreak was coming.
While Carter and Daphne Rose (Murielle Hilaire) get closer, Hope will likely continue to spend more time with Liam and Beth Spencer (Jordyn Grace).
While Liam and Hope have not officially reunited yet, they are getting a lot closer.
Deke Sharpe’s Scheme
Speaking of Hope, she liked Deke’s ideas about her fashion line.
Hope also mentioned that she was going through applications of potential designers.
Hope also said that she was viewing them anonymously. Once Hope left, Deke took pictures of some of the applicants’ designs.
Hope Logan’s Designer Applications
Deke went to fashion school as both Hope and Deacon mentioned it.
So, why is he trying to steal designs rather than creating his own?
There seems to be a story there, but in the meantime, Hope likely hires Deke, not realizing she’s being conned.
Sheila Carter Sharpe Freaks Out
The Bold and the Beautiful spoilers for Monday, October 13 reveal that we might see Sheila start to get suspicious.
For some reason, Sheila goes to Taylor Hayes (Rebecca Budig).
Perhaps she wonders where Deacon is disappearing to and follows him to the psychologist’s office?
Deacon Sharpe Busted
In any case, expect Sheila to see Deacon telling Taylor that he needs her.
Then, she watches with sadness as Deacon and Taylor share a long, tight embrace.
The old Sheila would start targeting Taylor. This new Sheila handles it differently, though.
Sheila will try to get Deacon on her turf, Il Giardino, to try to get him to come home.
However, the restaurant owner feels like she kept something too important from him, and knew how he felt about Luna Nozawa (Lisa Yamada).
Which storyline are you looking forward to seeing the most on Monday, October 13, 2025?
