Joe Flacco experienced a career resurgence during his tenure with the Cleveland Browns last season, and recent reports suggest he’s keen on staying put.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reveals that Flacco has developed a fondness for playing in Cleveland and would prioritize rejoining the Browns over exploring other options.
Discussions between Flacco and the Browns brass have already commenced, with talks initiated during the NFL Scouting Combine regarding a potential contract extension.
At 39 years old with a whopping 16 years of NFL experience, Flacco showcased glimpses of his prime while donning the Browns jersey last season.
Following Deshaun Watson’s injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season, Cleveland initially experimented with Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker.
That Flacco to Njoku connection 🔥#NYJvsCLE on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/N4HZXoYgli pic.twitter.com/HSrRCIvCtw— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2023
However, Flacco seized the opportunity during the latter part of the season, boasting a commendable 4-1 record as a starter. Across five games, he completed 60.3 percent of his passes, accumulating 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Flacco’s contributions proved instrumental in propelling Cleveland to the playoffs, notwithstanding the disappointing 45-14 defeat to the Houston Texans.
Despite facing adversity during that playoff loss, where Flacco tossed two critical interceptions, his overall performance with the Browns contrasted starkly with his previous stints with the Denver Broncos and New York Jets from 2019 to 2022.
Notably, he struggled during those years, recording a combined 3-14 record as a starter—a notable downturn from his illustrious tenure as the Baltimore Ravens’ franchise quarterback, which included a Super Bowl victory.
Should Flacco opt to return to Cleveland, he would presumably serve as Watson’s backup. Nonetheless, the allure of familiarity and comfort, especially at this juncture of his career, cannot be overstated.
Finding success within the Browns’ system, Flacco could offer invaluable veteran leadership while providing reliable backup support in case Watson faces further setbacks. For the team, securing Flacco’s return would ensure a stable contingency plan in their quarterback roster.
