Joe Flacco, set to become a free agent, is reportedly nearing a deal to return to the Cleveland Browns as a backup quarterback.
Flacco Favors Browns Despite Backup Role
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, a league source indicates that Flacco prefers to re-sign with the Browns, even if it means accepting a backup position. Florio adds that Flacco enjoys playing in Cleveland and that his representatives met with Browns officials at the NFL Scouting Combine. This signals a shift from Flacco’s previous desire for a starting role, suggesting that his agents may have advised him about the limited availability of starting positions given his age and recent performance.
Flacco’s 2023 Season: Comeback Player of the Year
Flacco, 39, joined the Browns’ practice squad in late November 2023 and was thrust into a starting role due to injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. He led the team to a 4-1 record in five regular season starts, throwing for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Despite a playoff loss to the Houston Texans where he threw two pick-sixes, Flacco’s regular season performance earned him Comeback Player of the Year honors.
From Starter to Backup: Flacco’s Career Trajectory
Flacco hasn’t been a consistent starter since the first half of the 2018 season with the Baltimore Ravens, losing his starting position to Lamar Jackson. He subsequently played for the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets before being out of the league for most of 2023. His time with the Browns revitalized his career, raising the question of whether a backup role in Cleveland offers the best path forward.
A Potential Insurance Policy for the Browns?
Returning to Cleveland as Deshaun Watson’s backup could be a strategic move for Flacco. This provides him with a stable position in a familiar environment. Moreover, it offers the Browns a reliable veteran presence should Watson’s performance falter or if he faces any setbacks. This arrangement could benefit both Flacco and the Browns, ensuring quarterback depth and experience for the team.
In conclusion, Joe Flacco’s potential return to the Browns as a backup quarterback signifies a new chapter in his career. While accepting a backup role indicates a shift in priorities, it could be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both Flacco and the Browns. This move provides Flacco with continued NFL involvement and offers the Browns a seasoned backup option for their starting quarterback.
