Joe Flacco Makes Retirement Decision For 2026 Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 9:50 AM ET

At 40 years old, Joe Flacco could easily ride off into the sunset and enjoy retirement. Will he want to though? NFL fans learned about his fate this weekend.

In early October, the Cincinnati Bengals acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round pick. He filled in admirably for Joe Burrow, completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,664 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. Despite lighting up the boxscore, the Bengals went 1-5 with him as their starter.

Speaking to the media this week, Flacco addressed his future in the NFL. As of now, the Super Bowl champion doesn't plan on retiring in 2026.

"I’m somebody who wants to play football," Flacco said, via the Associated Press. "You’ve got to assess and see whatever is thrown your way. You have to go from there and see what you can do about it."

Oct 16, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) looks to throw the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Could Flacco return to the Bengals?

Flacco made it clear that he's open to returning to Cincinnati. However, he doesn't want to make any guarantees.

“I haven’t really thought about it,” Flacco said. “I don’t hope to do anything. I have an idea of maybe of what some goals would be. I’ll go from there and see what happens.”

If Flacco is looking for a chance to start in the fall, he may have to consider other options. Maybe he'll receive interest from quarterback-needy teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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