Bengals Reveal Joe Flacco's New Jersey Number After Trading for Veteran QB

In this story:
A new team means a new jersey number for Joe Flacco.
Desperate to stop the bleeding amid a three-game losing streak, the Bengals traded for the veteran quarterback as they look to tread water until Joe Burrow can return from injury. The move saw Cincy send a fifth-round pick in exchange for Flacco and a sixth, and also puts the 40-year-old in a new pair of digits for the first time in his career.
As shared by Cincy's social media team on Wednesday morning, Flacco will rock a new number for the orange and black: 16.
Here's a look at his jersey unveil:
Hot off the press. pic.twitter.com/APPWhUzPzs
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 8, 2025
Flacco has worn three other numbers throughout his 18-year NFL career, beginning in No. 5 with the Ravens, and keeping it through his stint with the Broncos and his first run with the Jets. He was then given No. 19 upon resigning with New York in 2021, and has since rocked No. 15 with both the Colts and the Browns.
We'll see if the No. 16 can give both Flacco and the Bengals the spark they need to stay afloat in an already interesting AFC playoff race.
More NFL on Sports Illustrated

Mike Kadlick is a senior NFL news writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.
Follow mikekadlick