Bengals trade for QB Joe Flacco, sources say

The Cincinnati Bengals, a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, have been struggling with their quarterback situation in recent years. After failing to find a suitable replacement for longtime starter Andy Dalton, who was released by the team in 2020, the Bengals have turned to their intra-state rivals, the Cleveland Browns, for help.

The Browns, based in Cleveland, Ohio, have had their own struggles at the quarterback position in the past, but in recent years, they have found success with Baker Mayfield as their franchise quarterback. Mayfield, the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has shown promise and potential as a top-tier quarterback in the league, leading the Browns to their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades in 2020.

With the Bengals in need of a quarterback to lead their team to success, they have reportedly reached out to the Browns to inquire about the availability of Mayfield. The Browns, who have a surplus of talent at the quarterback position with Mayfield and backup Case Keenum, are said to be open to trading Mayfield to their divisional rivals for the right price.

The potential trade between the Bengals and the Browns has caused a stir in the NFL community, as divisional trades are rare in the league. However, with both teams in need of a quarterback and the Browns having depth at the position, the trade could benefit both teams in the long run.

If the Bengals were to acquire Mayfield from the Browns, it would be a significant move for the franchise. Mayfield, a former Heisman Trophy winner and consensus All-American at the University of Oklahoma, has shown flashes of brilliance in his short NFL career, throwing for over 11,000 yards and 75 touchdowns in his first three seasons.

With a strong arm and good decision-making skills, Mayfield has the potential to elevate the Bengals’ offense and lead them to success in the competitive AFC North division. Pairing Mayfield with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who was selected by the Bengals with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, could create a dynamic passing attack that would strike fear in opposing defenses.

However, acquiring Mayfield from the Browns would not come without its challenges. The Browns are likely to ask for a hefty price in return for their franchise quarterback, which could include multiple draft picks and players. The Bengals would need to carefully weigh the cost of acquiring Mayfield against the potential benefits he could bring to the team.

In addition, there is no guarantee that Mayfield would be able to replicate his success with the Browns in Cincinnati. The Bengals have struggled in recent years to build a competitive team around their quarterbacks, and Mayfield could face similar challenges if he were to join the team.

Despite the potential risks, the Bengals are reportedly eager to explore the possibility of trading for Mayfield. The team’s management and coaching staff believe that Mayfield could be the missing piece that helps the Bengals return to contention in the AFC North and make a deep playoff run.

The rumors of a potential trade between the Bengals and the Browns have generated excitement among fans of both teams. The prospect of seeing Mayfield suit up in a Bengals uniform and lead the team to victory is a tantalizing one for Bengals fans, who have been yearning for a franchise quarterback since Dalton’s departure.

On the other hand, Browns fans are hesitant to see Mayfield leave Cleveland, as he has become a beloved figure in the city and a symbol of the team’s resurgence in recent years. Losing Mayfield to a divisional rival would be a bitter pill to swallow for Browns fans, who have endured years of disappointment and mediocrity before Mayfield’s arrival.

As the trade rumors continue to swirl, both teams are keeping their cards close to their chests. The Bengals are reportedly in talks with the Browns’ front office to negotiate a potential deal, while the Browns are weighing their options and considering the impact of trading Mayfield to a divisional rival.

In the coming weeks, the football world will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. Will the Bengals be able to strike a deal with the Browns and acquire Mayfield as their new starting quarterback? Or will the Browns decide to keep Mayfield in Cleveland and continue to build around him for the future?

No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: the potential trade between the Bengals and the Browns has added an extra layer of intrigue to the NFL offseason. Fans of both teams will be eagerly awaiting news of any developments, hoping that their team will come out on top in this high-stakes game of quarterback roulette.

Read full article

Source: Yahoo Entertainment