Head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t usually one to engage in trash talk. But with the Pittsburgh Steelers playing a pair of AFC North rivals in the span of five days this week, Tomlin took an opportunity to rip into one of those rivals for helping the other.
While sharing his reaction to the Cleveland Browns trading quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, Tomlin didn’t hold back in front of reporters Monday.
“To be honest, it was shocking to me,” Tomlin told the media. “[Browns general manager] 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.”
The Browns traded Flacco to the Bengals last Tuesday in a draft pick exchange. Cleveland received an extra fifth-round pick in 2026 with the deal while the Bengals received a sixth-rounder in return.
Tomlin added the trade made all the sense in the world to the Bengals.
“It certainly made sense from Cincinnati’s perspective,” Tomlin said while chuckling a little.
Flacco started for the Bengals in Week 6 days after getting traded to Cincinnati. The former Super Bowl MVP replaced Jake Browning behind center for the Bengals.
The Steelers defeated the Browns, who have turned to rookie Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, 23-9 on Sunday. The Steelers will visit Flacco and the Bengals on Thursday.
Mike Tomlin Rips Browns GM Andrew Berry
Pundits could argue it’s never a smart idea to criticize a division rival. But Tomlin doesn’t have to face the Browns GM on the field.
There’s likely to be little recourse to Tomlin for his shot taken at Berry. Although Tomlin could see some pushback in the media for his comments.
Regardless of how one might feel about Tomlin making his feelings on the Flacco trade public, it’s hard to disagree with his honest reaction to the deal.
If Cleveland was serious about competing for the AFC North title this year, sending Flacco to the Bengals is not a trade a franchise should ever make. The Bengals lost three straight contests and largely looked incompetent with Browning behind center.
Flacco obviously isn’t Joe Burrow. But the veteran quarterback will give the Bengals a puncher’s chance every week until Burrow returns.
In summary, the Browns made it harder for themselves to win the division by sending Flacco to Cincinnati.
Of course, the trade makes things more difficult for Tomlin and the Steelers too. That’s probably the source of most of Tomlin’s frustration with the trade.
Tomlin Praises New Bengals QB Joe Flacco
Tomlin’s frustration with Cincinnati landing Flacco also speaks to how much the Steelers head coach thinks of the veteran quarterback. Tomlin was complimentary of Flacco again Monday.
“He can throw the football, and he’s always been able to throw the football,” Tomlin said of Flacco. “Arm strength, arm accuracy. Anticipatory passer. Fluid movement through progressions. That’s always been his game.”
In 22 games against the Steelers, Flacco’s teams have posted an 11-11 record versus Tomlin. Last season, Flacco led the Indianapolis Colts to a victory against Pittsburgh while coming off the bench.
Flacco’s 11 wins against the Steelers are the second-most he’s earned against one NFL team. Ironically, Flacco has been the most successful against the team that just traded him — the Browns.
The 40-year-old quarterback is 18-3 in his career against Cleveland. Overall, he is 106-90 as an NFL starter.
Flacco completed 29 of 45 passes for 219 yards with two touchdowns in his Bengals debut against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Takes Shot at Browns Front Office for Joe Flacco Trade