After starting the season 2-0, the Cincinnati Bengals dropped the next three games, thanks in large part to the absence of Joe Burrow. Jake Browning took his place, and while he's shown promise at times in his career, he struggled a ton this season.
His struggles were too much for the Bengals, and they decided to swing a deal with the Cleveland Browns for Joe Flacco to be the new starting quarterback. Now in Cincinnati, Flacco will get to throw to a much better group of receivers.
After the first few practices with Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase was asked about the Flacco trade. Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team shared Chase's answer, which featured Chase's appreciation for the front office amid trading for Flacco.
Ja'Marr Chase is a fan of the Joe Flacco trade
"I appreciate the organization trying to make this work," Chase said.
#Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase on the Joe Flacco trade:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 9, 2025
"I appreciate the organization trying to make this work." pic.twitter.com/4V9A183mTs
Sometimes, when a team is in a rut like the Bengals were, it's important to be reminded that the organization still believes in them. Since the Bengals didn't coast with their quarterback room, instead landing Flacco, it shows the team wants to be better.
Sticking with Browning, who has had eight interceptions in four games this season since taking over for Burrow, would've been a sign to the team that this season might not be the year.
But, by trading for Flacco, a veteran who can get Chase, Tee Higgins, and the rest of the offensive personnel the ball, it shows that the front office is committed to this team.
Flacco hasn't been incredible this season, with 815 passing yards and two touchdowns, and six interceptions in four starts. Even though he has fewer touchdowns, he has more yards and two fewer interceptions.
It's not the biggest upgrade, but going from the Browns' offensive personnel to the Bengals should help Flacco's numbers look a bit better.
More: Zac Taylor reveals who will call plays for Bengals offense going forward
Cincinnati is trying to stay alive until Burrow can return in late December. While it's not a surefire thing that Burrow returns, keeping he door open will have the Bengals more competitive the rest of the season.
If the Bengals can stay alive and Burrow returns, then a playoff run isn't out of the question. It's improbable, but the small possibility is something that players can buy into. But, only if the organization buys into it.
By trading for Flacco, the Bengals' front office is showing the players that they still believe in the team this season. The Baltimore Ravens are 1-4, and Lamar Jackson is hurt, and their defense is struggling a lot.
The Browns won't be competitive in the division, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are only 3-1. Cincinnati can make a playoff push if Flacco steps in and is decent.
It's no surprise that Chase is a fan of the Flacco trade, as, at worst, it's a jolt to the locker room, which signifies that the players still have belief in their front office. Flacco's first test will come against the Green Bay Packers. It's a tough matchup, but Flacco has already beaten the odds to beat the Packers once already this season; who's to say it can't happen again?
More Bengals News:
- Cincinnati Bengals acquiring Joe Flacco in trade with Cleveland Browns
- Early AFC North team needs for the 2026 NFL Draft
- Bengals cut ties with strong-armed QB amid Jake Browning struggles
- Jake Browning loses Zac Taylor's 'unwavering' support after latest Bengals debacle