Exclusive: Browns QB Deshaun Watson Put on Notice After Joe Flacco News
Deshaun Watson may feel more pressure with Joe Flacco returning to the Cleveland Browns.
The team must carefully consider the potential escalation of pressure on Deshaun Watson if Joe Flacco returns to the Cleveland Browns next season, as cautioned by an insider.
Having had a successful run with the Browns, Flacco is now set to enter free agency and seeks an opportunity as a starting player. However, if such opportunities are not available, he has expressed interest in being part of the Browns team as their backup option.
Although the Browns are willing to reunite, Flacco’s presence would undoubtedly cause some strain – particularly if Watson faces difficulties in his comeback from injury.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on March 7th, “If Deshaun Watson is ever going to prove he deserved that contract, this year is it. Joe Flacco’s performance can serve as a valuable reference point for him. However, if Watson encounters any difficulties during the season, will having Flacco around be beneficial?”
Deshaun Watson should not face the chants of “Flacco, Flacco, Flacco” from Browns fans after he throws an incomplete pass.
Although Flacco performed well last season, Florio is uncertain whether there will be a market for him in free agency since he recently turned 39 years old.
According to Florio, the most optimistic outcome for him is filling in temporarily while a team determines their first-round draft pick. Many other teams seeking quarterbacks are prioritizing youth, so even though 28 might be considered too old by some, 39 would certainly not fit the bill either.
There is a possibility that the Brown’s management may wish to “move on” from Joe Flacco internally.
Joe Flacco and the Browns have both shown an inclination towards reuniting.
Having recorded a 4-1 record as the starter, thrown for over 300 yards in four consecutive games and delivered an impressive tally of 13 touchdown passes, Flacco has established his eligibility to make a comeback with the Browns. What’s more, he openly expressed his fondness towards Cleveland.
During a Sirius XM interview on Wednesday, March 6, Flacco expressed that if all factors were considered equal, Cleveland would be his top choice. However, he acknowledged the various elements involved in actually being given an opportunity to play for a team.
Despite not wanting my attachment to Cleveland to heavily influence my decision, I can’t deny the special feeling I have for the city based on my positive experiences during a short visit. If it comes down to making a choice, this factor may play some role in my final decision-making process.
Even though Browns GM Andrew Berry expressed support for the notion of Flacco functioning as an experienced understudy, he stated that any potential friction within the team hasn’t crossed his mind. Nevertheless, Florio suspects that Cleveland’s strategies behind closed doors may differ somewhat.
Florio stated that the individuals in charge would most likely prefer to express gratitude for past experiences and move forward if they were forthcoming with the truth. Meanwhile, Andrew Berry might be anticipating a potential offer from another party that is more appealing than what he currently has.
Browns’ Success Depends on Deshaun Watson’s Performance
The Browns’ high-profile acquisition of Deshaun Watson has failed to yield favorable results.
To date, the Browns’ grand acquisition of Watson in 2022 has not yielded favorable results. Despite surrendering three first-round picks to secure his services and affording him a lucrative $230 million contract with full guarantees, Cleveland’s investment hasn’t panned out as desired.
Maybe a bit of internal competition would benefit Watson, although the Browns are still showing support for him.
PFT’s Chris Simms suggested that the team may want to avoid making Watson too comfortable in his starting quarterback position, leaving PJ Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson with no opportunity to challenge him. Perhaps introducing a challenger or keeping someone else in the QB room could keep Watson on edge, ultimately improving his performance. For instance, if Joe Flacco were brought onto the team as backup quarterback, it might motivate Watson knowing he’d be replaced by Flacco should he fail to perform well enough – which is something Cleveland needs to consider carefully.
Due to suspension and injury, Watson has only played in 12 games over two seasons with the Browns. Nonetheless, he managed to pass for 2,217 yards while scoring 14 touchdowns and throwing nine interceptions.
