NFL Insider Reveals Whether Bengals Pursued Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston Before Joe Flacco Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 3:16 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals, who have lost three straight games since Joe Burrow went down with an injury, made a splash on Tuesday by agreeing to a rare AFC North trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and a sixth-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round selection.

Cincinnati has been rolling with backup Jake Browning under center during the skid, and while he was effective the last time he started for the Bengals back in 2023, he has struggled this time around—throwing eight interceptions already this season, including multiple three-pick games.

Flacco started the first four games of the season for the Browns but went 1-3 before being benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel.

We have acquired QB Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

: https://t.co/dzs5YyUXWN pic.twitter.com/SnGbIVJ9xw
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 7, 2025

The goal now is for Flacco to be ready to start by Week 6 when the Bengals face the Green Bay Packers. Naturally, questions arose about whether the team pursued any other options, most notably Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston, both currently on the Giants’ bench.

However, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Bengals did not contact the Giants about either quarterback before ultimately pulling the trigger on Flacco.

"The Bengals internally discussed different options at QB. I’m told the team never called the Giants about trading for either Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston before making a move for veteran Joe Flacco," Russini revealed.

Joe Flacco, 40, will be making a start for his third AFC North team. He spent the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, where he won a Super Bowl, before spending the past several seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns.

Cincinnati is hoping Flacco can help keep the team afloat and in playoff contention until star quarterback Joe Burrow potentially returns late in the regular season.

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

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