Bengals add defensive help, release veteran backup QB trading for Joe Flacco

Toran Flores

Bengals add defensive help, release veteran backup QB trading for Joe Flacco image

Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Following their third straight loss in yet another outing showing struggle from backup quarterback Jake Browning, the Cincinnati Bengals decided to go out and trade for veteran Joe Flacco in their quest to find Joe Burrow's replacement.

In the trade involving two AFC North teams, the Bengals sent the Browns a 2026 fifth-round pick in exchange for Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Cincinnati announced that the 40-year-old will come in and start in their matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

In a flurry of roster moves by the Bengals this week, they continued this pattern on Thursday.

Bengals sign DT Howard Cross to practice squad, release QB Mike White

On Thursday, the Bengals decided to ease up on the quarterback position. With this being said, the team released veteran backup quarterback Mike White while signing undrafted free agent Howard Cross III, the team announced on the team website.

Cross III, 24, is the son of former NFL tight end Howard Cross Jr. and was a six-year college player who spent his entire career with Notre Dame. He was a part of the Fight Irish's National Championship game run in 2024.

MORE: Bengals announce roster move that would help protect Joe Flacco

White, 30, signed to the Bengals' practice squad this offseason after spending 2024 with the Buffalo Bills. He will look for another team to sign with. Throughout his career, he's made appearances in 11 games for the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and the Buffalo Bills, passing for 2,247 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

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Toran Flores

Toran Flores is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Growing up as a huge sports fan, Toran decided to pursue writing in the field he loves most. With a BA in Journalism from the University of Wyoming, he has previously written for FanSided and Athlon Sports.