Bengals' Joe Flacco calls other teams 'dumb' for not signing him in free agency

The Cincinnati Bengals were dealt some tough news last season when Joe Burrow went out with an injury in Week 2. Jake Browning struggled in relief, so Joe Flacco came in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

He was an instant hit, and while he won just one game as a starter, Flacco was beloved by the team. He hit the open market, and fortunately, the Bengals were able to bring him back on a very reasonable deal.

However, while Flacco is happy to be back, he's not fully happy with how the offseason went. As Jeremy Rauch of Fox 19 shared, Flacco got very blunt, calling other teams "dumb" for not signing him to be a starter this upcoming season.

Joe Flacco calls NFL teams 'dumb' for passing on him in free agency

"I feel like I have unfinished business," Flacco said. "And not being one of those guys that goes and sign somewhere, it pisses me off a little bit. But at the same time, I'm very happy to be here. ...Believe me, I wish I was a guy somewhere. And I think teams were dumb for not having me be that guy."

Flacco was a solid starter for the Bengals last season, and while it was a limited sample size, he earned a Pro Bowl nod for his work last year.

He threw for 1,664 yards and 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions for the Bengals, completing 61.7% of his passes after being a mid-season pickup for Cincinnati.

Flacco proved that, despite being 41 years old, he still can be a decent starter in the NFL. Give him a better defense, and he likely plays better than his 1-5 record indicates.

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Looking around the NFL, there are a few teams that could've used Flacco in a starter role, even if only for a little while.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, with Aaron Rodgers uncertain, could've used Flacco as a starter. The Las Vegas Raiders, with a potential plan to sit their No. 1 overall quarterback, could've used Flacco.

Flacco is calling those teams, and any other that could've used Flacco as a starter this season, "dumb" for not signing him to a free agent deal.

The veteran QB going into his 19th season is more than good enough to be a starter in the NFL in 2026, even if it's not perfect. Instead, the Bengal benefit, and get their ideal backup quarterback back on a reasonable deal worth at most $9 million.

More Bengals news:

• Dalton Risner’s return gives Joe Burrow his first fully returning OL since NFL debut
• Bengals' Tee Higgins reveals the $700,000 transformation Joe Burrow couldn't resist
• Bengals to sign Boye Mafe to $60 million three-year contract
• John Franklin-Myers to sign with Titans on $63M deal amid Bengals pursuit
• Bengals to sign Bryan Cook to $40.25 million contract