Tomlin Critiques Browns’ Trade Decision

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed his disapproval on Monday regarding Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry’s choice to trade Joe Flacco to a division rival.

Last week, the Browns sent their Super Bowl-winning quarterback to the Cincinnati Bengals after he was benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. Notably, all three teams — the Browns, Steelers, and Bengals — are part of the AFC North.

Tomlin was taken aback by the trade. “Honestly, it was shocking to me,” he noted, adding that it’s puzzling to trade a quarterback he believes could be an opening day starter to a struggling division opponent. “But that’s just my personal feeling,” he remarked.

In Week 6, Tomlin and the Steelers managed to sweep the Browns, and they are preparing to face the Bengals for the second time this season on Thursday night.

Tomlin chose to highlight Flacco’s experience as he transitions into the Bengals’ offense. Flacco previously led the Browns to a win against the Green Bay Packers on September 21, which had raised some expectations regarding his potential impact on the Bengals. In that game, he threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns, though the Packers ultimately won 27-18.

This past Sunday, the Steelers defeated the Browns 23-9, bringing their season record to 4-1. It’s shaping up to be a competitive season in the AFC North.