There’s a reason the Bengals signed Burrow to a five-year, $275 million extension back in 2023. Still, that record-breaking contract did little to protect Burrow from injuries. Burrow has missed 22 games due to injury in his NFL career, and 16 since he put pen to paper on the extension in Cincinnati.

If the Bengals want to have success—which they haven’t had in the past two seasons—they must keep Burrow away from the blue tent and the medical room. Yet if they can’t, and Burrow’s injury-proneness outweighs their efforts, they must have a solid backup quarterback ready to take over.

With Flacco, Cincinnati has just that: a timeless student of the game who already knows the organization and his teammates, and definitely knows his way around the league to come away with wins. However, having Flacco ready to take over doesn’t take anything away from the other obvious issue. There is an elephant in the room that the Bengals must address.

Protecting Burrow is a must for Bengals

There is no other way around it: Cincinnati must invest in its offensive line. The five players in the trenches may not be household names around the league, but it ultimately comes down to them to keep the star quarterback safe.

So far, Burrow has never enjoyed the perks of a top offensive line in Cincinnati. As a result, not only has he struggled to put together winning seasons consistently, but he has also paid the ultimate price with his health.

Burrow’s injury history

According to Draft Sharks, Burrow has been injured seven times in his NFL career, including season-ending injuries in 2020 (knee) and 2023 (wrist), as well as a long absence in 2025 (turf toe). At this pace, Burrow’s career may be cut short, and the Bengals could watch their Super Bowl window close because they couldn’t keep their quarterback healthy.

That’d be the worst-case scenario for the Bengals. Sure, having Flacco serve as a backup is encouraging, but if Flacco sees the field regularly in 2026, then it means the Bengals or Burrow have done something wrong.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the Olympics,” he said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I’ve never necessarily played an Olympic sport before, so when this got announced, I was pretty excited about it.”

He also added: “The opportunity to win a gold medal [is] something that I’ve thought about – a moment like that – for a long time, since I was a kid. I think it would be something very special.”

Can NFL players compete in the Olympics?

Yes, NFL players will be able to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. NFL owners unanimously approved a resolution allowing active players to participate.

However, there is a key restriction to protect teams during training camp: only one player per NFL team is allowed to represent their national team (plus one additional “international” player if they are part of the league’s global pathway program).

Interest from several players emerges

The bid by stars like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Jalen Hurts to join Team USA for the 2028 Olympics has sparked a heated rivalry with the current National Flag Football team.

Led by quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III, the flag veterans argue that NFL players shouldn’t automatically assume they can dominate a sport they haven’t specialized in.

Doucette has called the NFL’s sudden interest “disrespectful,” asserting that flag football is a distinct discipline with unique mechanics—a claim backed by recent 2026 exhibition games where the flag specialists outperformed the NFL pros.

In a recent NFL promotion that saw several superstars “pass the phone” to fellow players they admired, Rams wide receiver Davante Adams singled out Burrow. “I’m passing the phone to somebody I wish I had a chance to play with,” Adams said. Joe Burrow was one of the most admired quarterbacks in the NFL.

While he had been troubled by multiple injuries throughout his six-year career in the NFL, he demonstrated all the attributes needed to be one of the game’s top quarterbacks when healthy. His performances consistently showed his ability to lead and deliver under pressure.

Why Adams wanted to play with Burrow

Burrow earned Pro Bowl status three times in his career, and he was a two time winner of the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award. His Pro Bowl selections came in 2022, 2024 and 2025, and the last one was earned even though he played in just eight games that season.

Burrow’s biggest achievement came in 2021 when he led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance. While Cincinnati lost that game to the Los Angeles Rams, they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in the AFC Championship game.

The Bengals defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs 27-24 in overtime in that game, and they remained the only AFC team to defeat Mahomes and the Chiefs in a postseason game.

That performance reinforced Burrow’s reputation across the league, as his leadership and composure in key moments made him one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL.

That said, Zac Taylor’s team becomes just another stop in Johnson’s long career in the league. How many teams has the signal-caller played for since his arrival in the NFL back in 2008?

Selected with the 160th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2008 Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the quarterback will make his third stint with the Bengals (one of them on the practice squad), having played for a total of 14 teams.

It’s also worth noting that he had stints in the XFL, where he was recognized in 2020 as the league’s passer rating leader. Experience is certainly something Josh Johnson has in abundance.

The complete list of his professional career

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008-2011)
• San Francisco 49ers (2012)
• Sacramento Mountain Lions (2012)
• Cleveland Browns (2012)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2013)
• San Francisco 49ers (2014)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2015)
• New York Jets (2015)
• Indianapolis Colts (2015)
• Buffalo Bills (2015)
• Baltimore Ravens (2016)
• New York Giants (2016)
• Houston Texans (2017)
• Oakland Raiders (2018)
• San Diego Fleet (2018)
• Washington Redskins (2018)
• Detroit Lions (2019)
• Los Angeles Wildcats (2020)
• San Francisco 49ers (2020)
• New York Jets (2021)
• Baltimore Ravens (2021)
• Denver Broncos (2022)
• San Francisco 49ers (2022)
• Baltimore Ravens (2023)
• Washington Commanders (2025)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2026)

Bengals’ QB room for the 2026 season

Heading into the 2026 season, the Cincinnati Bengals have reshaped their quarterback room to provide better insurance for Joe Burrow, who is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025.

With veteran Joe Flacco now a free agent, the team officially signed journeyman Josh Johnson to a one-year deal. He will compete with Sean Clifford, who remains under contract through 2026 after joining from the Packers, to secure the primary backup role behind Burrow.

Returning to Baltimore, where he’s a hero and already won a Super Bowl ring? No. According to insider Tom Pelissero on his X account, Flacco wouldn’t mind staying in Cincinnati alongside Burrow.

“Veteran QB Joe Flacco, who will be a free agent Monday, wants an opportunity to at least compete for a starting job. But if he’s a backup, sources say, Flacco would strongly consider a return to Cincinnati, where he filled in for Joe Burrow last fall and made his first Pro Bowl,” the insider revealed.

Many NFL teams are searching for a starting QB, but the dilemma they face today is whether to bring in an experienced player or, on the other hand, opt for a young talent, either through a trade or via the draft.

Teams that could add Flacco

As we head into the 2026 offseason, several teams are searching for a bridge starter or a veteran presence to stabilize their offense. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets have emerged as potential landing spots for Joe Flacco, who remains a viable short-term option after his late-season resurgence.

While these franchises weigh veteran signings against a shallow draft class, the Las Vegas Raiders appear set on a different path, as they are widely expected to use the first-overall pick to select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as their future franchise quarterback.

Flacco’s stint in Cincinnati

After being traded to the Bengals following Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury, Joe Flacco provided an incredible veteran spark, throwing for 1,664 yards and 13 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions across nine games.

His stint was highlighted by a career-high 470-yard performance against the Bears and an efficient 91.0 passer rating, earning the 41-year-old his first-ever Pro Bowl selection.

To position themselves among the teams contending at least for a postseason spot, the Bengals know they need to surround Joe Burrow as effectively as possible. Now fully recovered from his serious injury, he will once again be the primary leader of Zac Taylor’s team.

In recent statements to the press, Chase made it clear that he will do everything in his power to help his teammates, while emphasizing that the franchise already knows what it takes to be a contender.

“Yeah. I mean, everybody pretty much knows what we need,” the WR said, via Russell Heltman of SI.com. “I’ve said it out in the media. All I gotta do is sit back and watch. I can’t control that, so all I gotta do is control my production.

“I mean, at the end of the day, I’m just stating my opinion on what I think we need. So, you know, I sit back, let the organization do what they do, and I just gotta let my play do the rest.”

A strong performance that fell short

Ja’Marr Chase put together a stellar individual campaign in 2025, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier wideouts. Throughout the season, he served as the engine of the Bengals’ offense, hauling in 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and finding the end zone 8 times.

While his consistency was evident in his 11.3 average yards per catch, these impressive numbers unfortunately weren’t enough to propel Cincinnati into the postseason.

Despite Chase’s elite production and week-to-week dominance, the team ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, leaving his standout performance as a bittersweet highlight of a missed opportunity.

The former Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens has now become one of the quarterbacks entering free agency, and he faces two intriguing options: either re-sign with the Bengals to serve as the primary backup to Burrow, or pursue new horizons in search of a starting role elsewhere.

“I think if the opportunity is good enough early on, then you say, Yes, oh, you’re gonna allow me to play. You jump on it,” Flacco said to Ross Tucker. “Maybe there are some scenarios where that’s the case. … But ultimately, that is the ultimate goal, to get an opportunity to play.

“If that doesn’t present itself, then there’s a huge advantage to waiting. I mean, you’ve seen it every year, there’s going to be opportunities, in your head, can you trust that at some point there’s going to be an opportunity?

“Because it can be nerve-wracking if you want to play football right, to sit at home and wait and wait. It can also be kind of crappy to be on a team as a number two, and opportunities start coming up, and you’re already locked in with a team.”

Some potential destinations for Joe Flacco

While there is still no certainty about what Joe Flacco’s next destination will be heading into the upcoming NFL season, reports indicate that several teams have already shown interest — including a divisional rival within the AFC North.

“The Bengals have expressed interest in re-signing quarterback Joe Flacco,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said recently. “They believe he’s a valuable backup who can be a viable starting option if Joe Burrow gets injured again. But Flacco will have options, possibly as a bridge quarterback elsewhere. The Vikings considered signing Flacco last offseason. And the Steelers will have an opening if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t re-sign there. Pittsburgh liked his free agency profile last offseason, too.”

Flacco’s latest NFL numbers

In 2025, Joe Flacco’s season was a tale of two Ohio cities. After starting the year with the Cleveland Browns, he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6 following Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury.

Throughout his combined 13 appearances for both teams, the veteran quarterback proved he still has plenty of gas in the tank, throwing for 2,479 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Despite recording 10 interceptions and finishing with a 41.0 QBR, his performance in relief of Burrow—highlighted by a career-high 470-yard game against Chicago—earned him the first Pro Bowl selection of his 18-year career.

The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini reported that the Bengals have no intention of trading Burrow this year. Despite the Vikings’ reported interest, Cincinnati remains committed to Burrow for the upcoming season.

The Bengals’ failure to make the playoffs and Burrow’s vocal frustration with the team’s current situation have fueled trade rumors. These factors have contributed to the speculation about his possible departure from Cincinnati.

Nonetheless, Burrow and the Bengals are set to remain together at least through the end of the current season, which is expected to conclude with Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Both teams have already disclosed the latest injury reports for this pivotal matchup.

Burrow’s performance last season

Despite the Vikings‘ interest in Burrow, it’s important to consider the impressive statistics he posted during the regular season, albeit in just eight games played. Here are Burrow’s stats from the past regular season:

• Passing Yards: 1,809
• Passing Touchdowns: 17
• Interceptions: 5
• Completion Percentage: 66.8%
• Passer Rating: 100.7
• Rushing Yards: 41

With Russini’s report indicating Burrow’s staying put, the Vikings will need to explore other market options to enhance their roster for a potential comeback next season.

Across the NFL, several coaching moves have taken place in recent weeks. In the NFC North, the Chicago Bears lost Declan Doyle, who left the organization to join the Baltimore Ravens as their new offensive coordinator.

Doyle’s departure created an opening in Chicago, forcing the Bears to begin their search for a new offensive coordinator. However, one name can already be crossed off their list: Troy Walters.

Bengals WR coach Troy Walters rejects Bears’ interest

According to reports, the Bears showed interest in hiring Bengals wide receivers coach Troy Walters as their next offensive coordinator. While he was among several candidates, Walters reportedly had little interest in pursuing the opportunity.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that Walters declined an interview to join Ben Johnson’s coaching staff. Instead, he chose to remain in Cincinnati, continuing his work with two of the league’s premier wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

The decision is a significant win for Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense. Chase and Higgins were already elite talents, but Walters’ coaching has elevated their development even further, helping form one of the NFL’s most dangerous wide receiver duos and giving Burrow the weapons he needs to lead a high-powered passing attack.

Joe Burrow, QB of the Cincinnati Bengals, was added to the AFC roster on Sunday. This means that there will be three QBs from the Ohio teams in the Pro Bowl. All three quarterbacks also come as replacements for the actual selections: Josh Allen, Drake Maye, and Justin Herbert.

While no one denies Burrow has all the talent to be a Pro Bowl roster, he missed three months of action, which might put a question mark over his selection. However, after the controversy of the Shedeur Sanders selection, the Burrow one is clearly less polarizing.

Burrow’s numbers in 2025

Burrow played only eight games in 2025, going 5-3 in those affairs. Burrow completed 66.8% of his passes for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, five interceptions and a passer rating of 100.7. However, it wasn’t enough to put the Bengals in the playoffs. This will be the third Pro Bowl for Joe Burrow.

Burrow is clearly talented enough to be a Pro Bowler every year, but the fact is injuries have hampered his career. If it were not for injuries, Burrow should be in the Pro Bowl every single year. After all, he is regarded as a top-4 QB in the NFL.

The Pro Bowl lost its mojo

Even for the players in the NFL, the fact is that the Pro Bowl is just not the same as it was in years prior. The ratings have fallen approximately two million from the 2023 season to the 2024 one. Now, it’s presumed that the ratings will fall even further. Also, many selected players have withdrawn from it. Before, going to the Pro Bowl was a huge accomplishment.

John Harbaugh is already issuing warnings to divisional rivals, so getting the offensive coordinator hire right is key for the team. Both candidates have been head coaches in the NFL, as they are Kliff Kingsbury and Brian Callahan, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Kingsbury coached the Cardinals for four years but during his college days, he coached Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech. More recently, he was the Washington Commanders OC for the last couple of seasons. As for Brian Callahan, he worked with Joe Burrow during his time with the Bengals as OC, but then was the HC of the Titans for a year and a half.

Kingsbury is an intriguing option

Kingsbury should be a more temptiong option than Brian Callahan. Kingsbury’s offense on the Commanders was very explosive. Callahan’s resume is saved by Burrow. However, the QB hid Callahan’s flaws and those were exposed during his Titans days. Kingsbury is more creative and also knows the AFC East pretty well.

Also, Jayden Daniels is a very mobile quarterback and so is Jaxson Dart. He would also have a good RB room and pretty good, young wideouts. Callahan failed to develop Cam Ward in Tennessee and/or establish a proper WR1 for the rookie signal-caller.

Harbaugh is giving this franchise an overhaul

The Giants have had only one winning season in the last nine years. In fact, they’ve only won more than six games once in that span too. Hence, a complete new regime is needed to revamp the franchise and that’s what Harbaugh is doing.

The next few months will be key as he assess the talent on the roster, establishes the full coaching staff and prepares for the NFL Draft, where the Giants have the fifth-overall pick. In total, the Giants will have seven picks, though three are in the sixth round.