Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Flacco Remains on Free Agent Market
Joe Flacco is still on the market following the first two weeks of free agency, but a return to Cincinnati remains a possibility.
The Bengals have continued to show interest in the 41-year-old Flacco, who will enter his 19th season this year. Flacco has said he wants to compete for a starting job, but potential job openings are filling up around the league, leaving the door open for Flacco to return to be Joe Burrow's backup.
Cincinnati has already signed Josh Johnson to add depth behind Burrow. Johnson will turn 40 next month as he continues his NFL journey that includes two stints in Baltimore. The veteran journeyman completed 34 of 54 passes for 372 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in five games for the Washington Commanders last season. Johnson last played for the Bengals in 2013, when he was active for two games.
Even after adding Johnson, the Bengals appear to be willing to wait and see if Flacco finds employment elsewhere.
"The moment Flacco says yes, though, Johnson moves aside," The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. wrote. "With this move, the Bengals buy time to wait him out."
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaquan Brisker Aims to Be Versatile Weapon on Defense
Jaquan Brisker is hoping to be the AFC North's latest do-it-all safety.
Brisker is excited to bring his versatility to Pittsburgh after signing a one-year deal with the Steelers, reportedly worth $5.5 million. During his introductory press conference, the 6-foot-1, 204-pound Brisker cited the importance of being able to play at multiple spots, drawing comparisons to Kyle Hamilton and other safeties across the league.
"I just feel excited to be used like a Swiss Army knife," Brisker said via Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com. "Playing free [safety], playing strong [safety], playing that 'dime' 'backer or whatever, just being moved around to showcase what I can do and help this team win and elevate my teammates and elevate the defense."
Brisker had 93 tackles, eight passes defensed, and one interception for the Bears last season. The former second-round pick out of Penn State had back-to-back seasons with 100+ tackles in his first two years in Chicago.
"I feel like I can do a lot more than you guys have seen," Brisker said. "I can't wait to showcase that. That's what I'm waiting on, for me to be used a lot more."
The Steelers also added one of Brisker's teammates from Chicago Monday, reportedly signing running back Travis Homer, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Homer is the second running back the Steelers have signed this offseason, following Rico Dowdle.
Cleveland Browns: Proposed Rule Change Could Add Even More Spice to Trades
The NFL trade market is as active as it's ever been, and the Browns are proposing a new rule that could heat it up even more.
The Browns have submitted a proposal to allow teams to trade draft selections up to five seasons in the future instead of just three. The proposal will be discussed at the annual league meetings in Phoenix, Ariz., next week. Any changes need to be approved by at least 24 of the 32 teams.
The NFL has been no stranger to recent blockbuster trades involving multiple first-round picks.
Four years ago, the Browns traded three first-round picks for their acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Last season, the Colts and Packers each traded two first-rounders for cornerback Sauce Gardner and pass rusher Micah Parsons, respectively. The Ravens were set to trade two first-round picks for Maxx Crosby before the deal fell through.
