Joe Flacco says NFL teams were 'dumb' for not considering him as a starter this offseason

After over a month on the free-agent market, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco decided to return to the Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco, 41, was extremely productive with the team in limited opportunities last season, tossing 13 touchdowns against four interceptions in nine games.

Despite that success, Flacco didn't get any starting consideration on the market, leading to him accept a backup job with the Bengals.

That development came as a surprise to Flacco, who called NFL teams dumb" for not considering him as a starting-caliber player, per ESPN.

Believe me, I wish I was a guy somewhere," Flacco said Wednesday. "And I think teams are dumb for not having me be that guy."

After failing to find a starting job, Flacco opted to sign a one-year deal to return to Cincinnati. He'll reportedly make $6 million, though his deal could reach $9 million based on incentives. He's again expected to be the backup for starter Joe Burrow.

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While Flacco desired a starting role, he said he was happy to be back with the Bengals. It will, however, mark the first time in a couple seasons that Flacco won't have a shot at the starting job.

After a late-career resurgence in 2023, when he threw 13 touchdowns against four interceptions in five games while leading the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs, Flacco was signed by the Indianapolis Colts to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting role. While Flacco lost that job initially, he eventually appeared in eight games and put up better numbers than Richardson by the end of the season.

That earned Flacco the opportunity to compete for the Browns' starting job in 2025, which he won. Flacco struggled in that role, however, tossing two touchdowns and six interceptions before being benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel.

With Flacco no longer in the picture, the Browns traded the veteran to the Bengals after Burrow went down with a foot injury. Flacco immediately took over the starting job and posted strong numbers, though he went 1-5 before Burrow recovered from the injury. Flacco was eventually benched when Burrow was healthy enough to play.

Flacco could find himself in a similar spot in 2026. With the Bengals, he'll see the field only if Burrow gets injured. But if Burrow can stay healthy, Flacco could once again be a desirable trade chip at the deadline if another team is looking for a quarterback.

That could lead to Flacco winding up with one of the teams that passed on him during the offseason, which would give the veteran a chance to prove he was the right choice for that franchise all along.