Taylor confirms Flacco as Bengals’ starter: ‘His style fits our style’

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he’s excited to move forward with Joe Flacco after the veteran quarterback arrived in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday.

Taylor officially named Flacco the starter for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.

“Brings great experience, great leadership. His style fits our style,” Taylor said Wednesday, according to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

“Excited to get him out there. … He’s going to take all of the reps, get ready to go.”

The Bengals acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns for a late-round pick swap. Cincinnati’s offense has been struggling with Jake Browning replacing an injured Joe Burrow. Browning, who started three games this season, has passed for six touchdowns against eight interceptions.

The Bengals started the 2025 campaign with a 2-0 record but have lost three in a row without Burrow, who’ll remain sidelined until at least December.

Flacco started four games for the Browns but lost the QB1 role to rookie Dillon Gabriel before last week’s matchup. The 40-year-old has two touchdown passes against six picks in 2025.

However, the former Super Bowl MVP has shown signs that he’s got something left in the tank, claiming the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year award after signing with Cleveland midseason. Flacco posted a 90.4 passer rating with the Browns and Indianapolis Colts in 2023-24.

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