NFL

Bengals receive:
QB Joe Flacco
2026 sixth-round pick

Browns receive:
2026 fifth-round pick

Intradivisional trades are rare, let alone swaps involving a quarterback. In 2010, the Eagles shipped Donovan McNabb to the Redskins, and while this transaction isn’t that seismic, it still shakes up the AFC North.

The Bengals, to no surprise, rolled with Jake Browning following Joe Burrow’s toe injury. However, that decision hasn’t paid dividends, as Browning hasn’t performed at the level he did in 2023. To salvage its season, Cincinnati had to try for an upgrade.

Enter Flacco. Like Browning, Flacco isn’t the player he used to be, but that’s expected at his age. The 40-year-old is far more seasoned, though, and should fare okay throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. At the very least, the Bengals should receive professional-level play at quarterback, even if it’s poor.

Last week, the Browns handed the reigns at quarterback to Dillon Gabriel, and it appears there will be no turning back. I would’ve kept Flacco around as a backup — or at least haggled with the Bengals for a better offer — but adding draft capital for a washed up passer is good work. The Browns are all in on youth at the game’s most important position.

Bengals Grade: B+

Browns Grade: B

Chargers receive:
EDGE Odafe Oweh
2027 seventh-round pick

Ravens receive:
S Alohi Gilman
2026 fifth-round pick

First, the Bengals and Browns completed an intradivisional deal, and now we have a brotherly swap. The teams coached by John and Jim Harbaugh are struggling, so what better way to change course than by making a trade?

The Chargers’ issues are less pronounced than the Ravens’, so it’s no surprise that Los Angeles is acquiring the best player in the transaction. Oweh posted 10 sacks in 2024, and should boost the Chargers’ rotation off the edge. The 26-year-old is an impending free agent, so this will likely be just a one-year arrangement.

Safety is a lesser concern for Baltimore, but Gilman can nonetheless be a short-term upgrade. Kyle Hamilton is a standard setter at the position, so his spot is obviously safe. On the other hand, rookie Malaki Starks hasn’t looked ready, making Gilman a candidate to start next to Hamilton. With this move, the Ravens are addressing major problems with depth.

Chargers Grade: B-

Ravens Grade: B