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Mike Tomlin criticizes Browns for ‘shocking’ decision

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 6:28 PM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin offered a surprisingly strong criticism of the Cleveland Browns for their decision to trade Joe Flacco.

Tomlin took aim at Browns general manager Andrew Berry for trading Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals last week. In Tomlin’s mind, the Browns made a mistake by helping an AFC North rival at the most important position on the field.

“It was shocking to me,” Tomlin said Monday. “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.”

Shots fired: #Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on Cleveland trading Joe Flacco to the Bengals:

“Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me or us because it doesn’t make sense to me to trade a QB you think enough of to make your opening-day starter to a division opponent that’s hurting in… pic.twitter.com/aQJKCxCUaJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 13, 2025

There is almost certainly some additional motive to Tomlin’s unusually candid comments. The Browns do not have much to play for this season, so their handling of Flacco does not much matter to them. The Bengals, meanwhile, looked hopeless with Jake Browning under center, so Flacco represents an upgrade for them while Joe Burrow remains out.

It is not coincidental that Tomlin made these comments ahead of a game against Cincinnati. The Steelers will be facing slightly tougher opposition than they would have if this game had been played two weeks ago.

Tomlin has a habit of candidly assessing his opponents in a way that sometimes borders on disrespect. In this instance, it seems to come mostly from a place of frustration.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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