{"id":169803,"date":"2026-03-27T07:42:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T07:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=169803"},"modified":"2026-03-27T07:42:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T07:42:34","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8sad-news-former-2x-super-bowl-mvp-quarterback-returns-to-afc-south-signs-record-contract-with-bengals-after-three-failed-attempts-to-join-saints-the-reason-saints-rejected-the","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=169803","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8SAD NEWS: Former 2x Super Bowl MVP quarterback returns to AFC South, signs record contract with Bengals after three failed attempts to join Saints \u2014 the reason Saints rejected the legend sparks outrage among Saints fans! This shocking turn of events has left the fanbase divided and questioning the team’s decision. Could this be the move that sets the Bengals up for future success, or will the Saints regret passing on a proven champion? \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"
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New Orleans, LA \u2013 March 2026. Joe Flacco, the former Super Bowl MVP and two-time champion, has officially returned to the AFC South. He signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Flacco had attempted to join the New Orleans Saints, a team in need of a veteran quarterback to support their young QB situation. However, the team rejected his offers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Kellen Moore cited a commitment to developing young talent as the reason for passing on Flacco. This decision has caused widespread frustration among Saints fans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Joe Flacco has reached agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal, his agents at\u00a0@JLSports3<\/a>\u00a0tell ESPN\u00a0pic.twitter.com\/YymCQdfrcu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN)\u00a0March 24, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Saints fans have voiced their disappointment on social media. \u201cHow could they turn down a legend like this?\u201d one fan said. \u201cWe need experience on the team, and now we\u2019ve missed this opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Flacco\u2019s signing with the Bengals has only fueled the outrage among Saints supporters. \u201cClassic veteran insurance move,\u201d one fan commented. \u201cFlacco could be a solid option if the young QB struggles or gets injured.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In an emotional statement, Flacco shared,\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to play and retire as a Saints legend. I was ready to take a pay cut, change my role, even back up, just to be a part of this team. But after three rejections, I had no choice but to move on.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Flacco, with two Super Bowl rings and the 2013 Super Bowl MVP award, still brings significant value to a team. With over 40,000 yards and 230 touchdowns in his career, he could be a valuable addition to the Bengals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Saints fans feel the team has missed a valuable opportunity to gain the leadership and experience of a proven Super Bowl winner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Flacco, with his $12 million contract, brings immense value to the Bengals. This has led to strong criticism of the Saints\u2019 decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Fans are questioning whether the Saints made a major mistake by passing on a legendary player like Flacco.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In the highly competitive NFC South, the decision to reject Flacco may come back to haunt the Saints. The Bengals, by adding a veteran like Flacco, have strengthened their roster for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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New Orleans, LA \u2013 March 2026. Joe Flacco, the former Super Bowl MVP and two-time champion, has officially returned to the AFC South. He signed a one-year,… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":169812,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-169803","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8SAD NEWS: Former 2x Super Bowl MVP quarterback returns to AFC South, signs record contract with Bengals after three failed attempts to join Saints \u2014 the reason Saints rejected the legend sparks outrage among Saints fans! This shocking turn of events has left the fanbase divided and questioning the team's decision. Could this be the move that sets the Bengals up for future success, or will the Saints regret passing on a proven champion? \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=169803\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8SAD NEWS: Former 2x Super Bowl MVP quarterback returns to AFC South, signs record contract with Bengals after three failed attempts to join Saints \u2014 the reason Saints rejected the legend sparks outrage among Saints fans! This shocking turn of events has left the fanbase divided and questioning the team's decision. 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