EXCLUSIVE: Joe Flacco Breaks Silence on Returning to Browns
In a rare podcast appearance this week, Joe Flacco gushed over the Cleveland Browns and shared some thoughts on his future.
On January 18, Flacco appeared on the “Pardon My Take” podcast with Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter, and he was all positive about his time with the Browns.
“How fortunate I was to join a team that was primed for success and to hang out with so many amazing guys in the locker room,” Flacco remarked. “There was something unique about the place I was in and the way I was received.” My family and I were filled with affection. .. The enthusiasm in the streets was palpable. They long for some postseason victories and a chance at that Super Bowl.”
Will he then return? It hasn’t been decided yet.
Flacco stated, “I don’t want to rush into any decisions, but I’m open to being back in Cleveland.” “There are so many positive things to say about the current state of this organization,”
Throughout the regular season, Flacco ignited the Browns’ offense with four victories out of five starts, 1,616 yards of passing, thirteen touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The injury-plagued Browns were able to secure their first postseason berth since 2020 thanks to his performance.
However, the season’s heartwarming tale came to an abrupt end during the postseason. Flacco threw two expensive pick-sixes in a 45-14 Wild Card victory over the Houston Texans.
Joe Flacco Is Reenergized Following His Time With The Browns
The 39-year-old Flacco isn’t prepared for his journey to end with the Wild Card loss. He expressed his desire to play more and only needs a chance.
“I know I’d like to play still. However, it only needs to be given the chance to do so, Flacco stated in the podcast. You have no idea when or how that will materialize, let alone whether it will. but undoubtedly inspired to go back out and accomplish it.
To keep in shape, Flacco threw to family members while lounging on his couch throughout the first two months of the season. Despite quarterback injuries occurring across the NFL, Flacco is not focusing on the fact that his phone did not ring with any openings. In the end, the call from the Browns turned out to be the right opportunity at the right time.
It’s difficult. I believe that being around the league exposes one to a variety of events. Flacco commented, “Not everything makes sense,” about the chance to wait until mid-November. “I find it difficult to reflect on the calls I missed because the one I did receive turned out to be a really nice one.
“You want to be in a favorable environment with competent coaches and football players. I believe I was placed in that situation.
The Browns are hesitant to bring back Joe Flacco.
In Cleveland, Flacco’s play sparked a momentary quarterback debate. With the Browns offense clicking, he put some pressure on Deshaun Watson, the $230 million quarterback for Cleveland.
In his two seasons with the Browns, Watson has completed passes for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He has made 12 total appearances in games. Shoulder injuries ruined his most recent campaign. On November 21, Watson underwent surgery to fix a displaced fracture to his right shoulder’s glenoid, and he should be recovered in time for the start of training camp in 2019.
The Browns need a reliable backup to Watson, as this season has shown. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a rookie selected in the fifth round, has some promise but still needs time to develop. It might be advantageous for Flacco to continue backing up Watson for another season. Although Flacco received a lot of praise from Kevin Stefanski, he isn’t yet prepared to discuss his quarterback situation moving forward.
“I would abandon those things up to, obviously, [general manager Andrew Berry] in the offseason,” Stefanski said on January 14. “Let me say this regarding Joe. For this football team, Joe was fantastic. He fought valiantly and performed admirably. I’m sure he relished it. I’m really impressed with Joe and his accomplishments.
Many players have expressed their desire for Flacco to return. Flacco will probably look for an opportunity to start, though. With Watson’s imminent comeback, that won’t happen in Cleveland.
