Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has ignited a firestorm in the AFC North, openly questioning the Cleveland Browns’ perplexing decision to trade veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to division rival Cincinnati Bengals, a move he believes undermines their strategy and bolsters a competitor.
In a development that has sent ripples through the National Football League, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has cast a critical eye on the Cleveland Browns’ recent personnel decision. Following the Steelers’ convincing 23-9 victory over the Browns, Tomlin expressed profound surprise and concern regarding Cleveland’s trade of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, reportedly in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
“To be honest, it was shocking to me,” Tomlin stated during a press conference. He continued, questioning the rationale behind Browns’ General Manager Andrew Berry’s move: “Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me or us, because it doesn’t make sense to me to trade a quarterback you think enough of to make your opening-day starter to a division opponent that’s hurting in that area. But that’s just my personal feelings.” These candid remarks, as reported by ESPN, underscore a sentiment shared by many analysts and fans who find the transaction puzzling.
The Curious Case of Joe Flacco’s Journey Through the AFC North
Flacco’s recent career trajectory has been a whirlwind, especially within the fiercely competitive AFC North. Starting the 2025 season as the Browns’ Week 1 quarterback, he was benched after four games, tallying a league-leading nine turnovers. His subsequent trade to the Bengals is particularly striking given his history and the divisional implications.
Flacco’s Impact and Tomlin’s Past Encounters
Tomlin, keenly aware of Flacco’s capabilities, highlighted the quarterback’s enduring talent: “He can throw the football, and he has always been able to throw the football. Arm strength, arm accuracy—he’s got it all.” This acknowledgement comes from years of facing Flacco, primarily during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. Over 21 games against the Steelers, Flacco holds an 11-11 career record. Their 22nd encounter came last season when Flacco, then with the Indianapolis Colts, relieved an injured Anthony Richardson. The upcoming prime-time matchup between the Steelers and the Bengals will provide Tomlin yet another opportunity to test his team against a familiar foe in a new uniform.
For the Bengals, who have struggled since Joe Burrow’s Week 1 toe injury and with backup Jake Browning’s inconsistent play (eight interceptions in four games), Flacco represents a much-needed veteran presence. In his first start for Cincinnati, a 27-18 loss to Green Bay, he completed 64.4% of his passes for 219 yards, throwing two touchdowns and zero interceptions. This initial performance, while not a win, showcased his potential to stabilize a faltering offense.
The Browns’ Volatile Quarterback Strategy Under Andrew Berry
Tomlin’s critique extends beyond just the Flacco trade; it implicitly questions the Browns’ broader quarterback management under Andrew Berry. The decision to trade a quarterback who was deemed an opening-day starter to a division rival for a fifth-round pick appears contradictory, especially when the Browns are now leaning on rookie quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, for the remainder of the season.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has been turbulent, marked by several high-stakes decisions:
- Deshaun Watson’s acquisition: Berry’s decision to give Watson a historic fully guaranteed $230 million deal in 2022 has been widely criticized. Watson has faced consistent health issues and has not performed at his previous Pro Bowl level, making the contract one of the most scrutinized in NFL history.
- Offseason QB carousel: With Watson expected to miss much of the first half of 2025 due to an Achilles tear, Berry confusingly added four new quarterbacks this offseason, including two draft picks.
- Kenny Pickett trade: Article 3 notes that since drafting two QBs in the spring, Berry “traded Kenny Pickett a few months after acquiring him in a trade with the Eagles.” This further complicates the narrative of quarterback stability in Cleveland.
These moves collectively paint a picture of an organization struggling to find consistency at the game’s most crucial position, making Tomlin’s “shocking” assessment resonate deeply with fans and analysts alike.
Implications for the AFC North Landscape
The Flacco trade could significantly alter the dynamics of the AFC North, a division known for its fierce rivalries. The Steelers, currently leading the division at 4-1, are keen on solidifying their standings. The Bengals, now 2-4, see Flacco as a potential catalyst for a playoff push. By bolstering a direct competitor, the Browns’ move could inadvertently complicate the playoff picture for both themselves and the Steelers.
As the season progresses, the impact of this trade will become clearer. Will Flacco’s experience elevate the Bengals to a playoff contender, validating Tomlin’s concerns? Or will the Browns’ reliance on their rookie quarterbacks prove to be a stroke of genius, despite the immediate skepticism? The upcoming games, especially the one against the Steelers, will serve as critical tests for all three teams involved in this surprising divisional shift. The strategic decision-making, or lack thereof, within the AFC North will undoubtedly provide plenty of talking points for fans and analysts as the season unfolds.
