Joe Flacco has bounced around six teams across his 18-year NFL career. But after the 2017 season, the quarterback has not had the chance to be a full-time starter.

After signing a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, the veteran QB opened up about how he felt regarding teams not taking him on as a starter in free agency.

"I can help this team win in that role. I had a lot of fun with Joe, and Joe's the guy. And believe me, I wish I was a guy somewhere," Flacco said in March. "And I think teams are dumb for not having me be that guy."

Flacco was a free agent when the new league year started, but the Bengals eventually signed him on March 25 to a one-year, $6 million deal.

Last season, he played with two teams, starting with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to Cincinnati midseason. Flacco ended the 2025 season with a 2-8 record, yet he still believes he has what it takes to be a QB1 for a team.

"I feel like I have unfinished business. That's part of why I'm still here and playing and doing all those things," Flacco added. "And not being one of those guys to go sign somewhere, yeah, it p**** me off a little bit. But at the same time, I'm very happy to be here."

There is no doubt that even at 41, Flacco has the capacity to lead an offense and win games. He proved that last year in Cincinnati, serving as the backup to franchise QB Joe Burrow. And he seems just as dedicated to doing the same this season.

Joe Flacco Ready to Embrace Backup Role for Bengals Again

When Joe Burrow went down in Week 2 last season, the Bengals turned to Jake Browning, who lost all three games he started. That is when Cincinnati made the move to trade for Flacco.

The 41-year-old took the reins in Week 6 but managed just one win. So while Burrow will undoubtedly be the starter again, Flacco is ready to step in and contribute whenever called upon.

"It is what it is. And I'm not going to let them or it get me down. I'm going to be the person I am and just approach football the way I always have…be the best I can be in my role and have fun with the guys that I have in this locker room," Flacco added.

Cincinnati hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 of the regular season at Paycor Stadium and will play five straight games before its bye week in Week 6.

What are your thoughts on Joe Flacco being given a chance to start? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Shubhi Rathore

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore