Exclusive; Browns Get Bad News on Joe Flacco Re-Signing

Before deciding whether to return to the Browns, Joe Flacco is anticipated to explore his options in free agency.

Before deciding on a return to the Browns, Joe Flacco is anticipated to explore free agency.

While Joe Flacco had a good experience with the Cleveland Browns, it is anticipated that he will assess his options before committing to rejoining them.

After Deshaun Watson endured a season-ending injury in November, Flacco joined the Browns. He ignited their offense during the regular season by winning 4 out of his 5 starts and throwing for 1,616 yards with 13 touchdowns but also eight interceptions. His impressive performances earned him recognition as Comeback Player of the Year and helped secure Cleveland’s first playoff berth since2020 amid numerous injuries plaguing their team.

During the Wild Card game where his team was defeated 45-14, Flacco’s performance did not reach its brightest as he threw two expensive pick-sixes against the Houston Texans.

Next season, the Browns may have a chance to reacquire Flacco and explore signing him for an extension prior to free agency if mutually agreed. Nonetheless, according to insider Mary Kay Cabot’s projections, Flacco will likely assess his options in the market before coming up with a verdict.

Cabot suggested in her Q&A column on February 25th that Flacco might explore free agency to gauge interest from teams impressed by his Browns performance, and also establish a fair price for himself. As he experienced starting again, it is unlikely that the 39-year-old quarterback would willingly sit on the bench if given an opportunity to avoid doing so; this chance could be all he has left of his career’s tank. Additionally, Flacco may look into whether another team will offer him roughly $8 million per season like Brissett earned with the Commanders last year. In case no start opens up elsewhere, Cabot believes returning home seems just as appealing for Joe Flacco.

It is possible that Joe Flacco would consider returning to the Browns.

Joe Flacco is considering a return to the Browns, provided he can compete for a starting position within their lineup or any other team.

One of the problems associated with Flacco’s potential return to the Browns is that he won’t be given a starting opportunity. In spite of his impressive performance in the past season, Watson – their $230 million quarterback will remain as Cleveland’s primary choice. Despite undergoing shoulder surgery and being anticipated to join training camp soon after recovery.

Having said that, Flacco’s presence has led him to become a kind of folk legend in Cleveland. Furthermore, he spoke positively about his experience with the Browns.

“I was fortunate to join a team that had the potential for success and being surrounded by wonderful guys in the locker room,” shared Flacco during his interview on “Pardon My Take” podcast which aired last January 18. He continued, saying, “Being there felt extraordinary with how everyone treated me; my family also received plenty of love… The energy within the city was tangible, as they yearned for playoff wins leading up to an opportunity at claiming victory in Super Bowl.”

Should Flacco not find the chance he seeks, it seems that Cleveland is his preferred destination.

Flacco stated that he would be willing to return to Cleveland, but prefers not to make any hasty choices. He expressed great admiration for the present management of this organization.

The Browns are of the opinion that Joe Flacco and Deshaun Watson can coexist.

If Joe Flacco were to return, the Browns do not anticipate any problems between him and Deshaun Watson.

One additional obstacle to re-signing Flacco is the potential impact on Watson. After joining the Browns in 2022, Watson has only played in twelve games and his performance has been inconsistent with a record of 2,217 passing yards, fourteen touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

According to Berry, there are no concerns about potential division regarding the decision to rehire Flacco. He stated that due to the personalities of both individuals involved, it is not an issue within their organization.

Depending on the outcome of free agency for the Browns, Dorian Thompson-Robinson may either serve as their backup or take up the No. 3 spot among three quarterbacks expected to be carried by the team next season.