Exclusive; Joe Flacco Sends Clear Message to Browns on Reunion
Joining the Browns will be Joe Flacco’s first free agent pick.
Joe Flacco has talked with the Cleveland Browns about returning next season and is a “top pick” in free agency. Flacco is scheduled to become a free agent on March 13th. However, the 39-year-old defensive end spoke with the Browns at the combine and is excited to return to Cleveland, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “League sources say joining the Browns is Flacco’s first choice. He loves playing there, the team, the city, the fans, everything. The two sides met last week at the scouting combine about this opportunity,” Florio said on Tuesday, March 5.
Flacco signed with the Browns on November 20th and posted a 4-1 record as a regular season starter. He passed for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, with the return of Deshaun Watson, Flacco will be relegated to a backup role. He explores what is out there and his future depends on the opportunities given to him.
“He’s definitely going to be Deshaun Watson’s replacement in Cleveland. Will Flacco get a chance to compete for the starting job elsewhere? – Florio said. “A lot of it depends on what happens in free agency and the draft. But Flacco proved last year that he can still play. It would be foolish for the team to treat him as an emergency option again.
Last season, the Browns started with five different quarterbacks, but Watson suffered two separate shoulder injuries. That included P.J. Walker, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jeff Driskel and Flacco.
If Flacco returns, he would be the No. 2 option, with Thompson-Robinson rounding out the deep chart. Joe Flacco enjoyed his time with the Browns
Joe Flacco had a good time with the Browns last season.
The whirlwind trip to Cleveland didn’t end the way Flacco expected. Flacco threw two expensive pick-sixes in a 45-14 wild-card rout of the Houston Texans. Despite the unfortunate ending, he spoke candidly about his days in Cleveland. “I’m really fortunate to be a part of a team that’s ready for this leap and has great guys in the locker room,” Flacco said on the Pardon My Take podcast on Jan. 18. . There was something special about being there and the way people treated me. I felt so much love and so did my family. …The city was excited. They are hungry for a playoff win and a chance to make the Super Bowl. »
Other teams are expected to show interest in Flacco as well. That includes the New England Patriots, who currently employ former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. At 39 years old, Flacco doesn’t have much time left in the league. He wants to maximize his chances on the pitch. It may not be Cleveland, but it seems like they’re still willing to help Watson.
Browns want to add third veteran QB to team
The Cleveland Browns are considering adding another quarterback to their roster next to Deshaun Watson. The Browns will be searching for a backup quarterback this offseason. Jacoby Brissett, Marcus Mariota and Mitchell Trubisky have been mentioned as potential options if Flacco doesn’t return. Browns general manager Andrew Berry has made it clear that adding another passer to the team is a priority. How this will happen remains to be determined. “From No. 1 to No. 3, quarterback is always our No. 1 priority,” Berry told Zach Jackson. “We don’t yet know what this room will look like in early summer. A lot of it depends on who has access to it and at what price.
While depth is key, the simple thing the Browns need to be a contender is a healthy Watson. He joined the club on a bargain deal in 2022 and since then he has made just 12 appearances. The Browns gave up three first-round picks and gave him a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million. So far, his game has not been up to par.
