Tomlin Critiques Browns’ Decision to Trade Flacco to Bengals

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has publicly criticized the Cleveland Browns for their recent decision to trade quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. During a press conference on Monday, Tomlin expressed surprise at the move, questioning the rationale behind trading a player who had started the first four games of the season for a division rival in need of quarterback support.

“It was shocking to me,” Tomlin stated. “Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me or us because it doesn’t make sense to me to trade a quarterback that 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.”

This unexpected commentary comes shortly after the Steelers defeated the Browns 23-9, giving them a 4-1 record for the season. The game also marked the debut of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who stepped in for the Browns after Flacco’s departure.

Details of the Trade

On October 7, 2023, the Browns traded Flacco, aged 40, along with a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick. This decision left Cleveland with two rookie quarterbacks, Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The Bengals, on the other hand, welcomed Flacco to replace Jake Browning, who has struggled since taking over for Joe Burrow following Burrow’s turf toe injury in Week 2.

Despite Tomlin’s skepticism regarding the trade from Cleveland’s perspective, he acknowledged its strategic merit for Cincinnati. “It certainly made sense from Cincinnati’s perspective,” he said. “He can throw the football, and he’s always been able to throw the football — arm strength, arm accuracy, anticipatory passer, fluid movement through progressions. That’s always been his game.”

Reactions from the League

While Tomlin’s comments stood out, not everyone in Pittsburgh was taken aback by the trade. Former Brown and current Steeler Juan Thornhill remarked, “I wasn’t surprised about the Flacco move. They took him out of there, they benched him, so I felt like it was next man up.” Thornhill’s insights reflect a broader understanding of Flacco’s situation, suggesting that the Browns were ready to move on after benching him.

Flacco’s performance as a Bengal has drawn attention as well. In his first game with Cincinnati, he threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns without any interceptions during a 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers. This marked an improvement compared to his earlier struggles this season.

Tomlin also recalled the challenges Flacco posed when he faced him last season, highlighting the veteran quarterback’s experience and skill. “We were in a similar situation a year ago,” he said. “I commented to the guys to keep [Anthony] Richardson upright. Don’t put [Joe] Flacco in the game, and Flacco ended up in the game.”

As the Steelers prepare to face the Bengals on Thursday night, Tomlin emphasized the need to account for Flacco’s talent. “Certainly, we got a full week’s work ahead of us in terms of minimizing a veteran savvy, talented thrower like him,” he noted.

In conclusion, Tomlin’s candid assessment of the trade underscores the complexities of midseason roster changes in the NFL, particularly when they involve players moving between division rivals. The upcoming matchup promises to be an intriguing contest, especially with Flacco now donning the Bengals’ colors.