Multiple reports surfaced on Tuesday suggesting that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco might lean towards re-signing with the Cleveland Browns as Deshaun Watson’s backup, rather than joining a team where he could contend for a starting role this upcoming season.
However, recent developments indicate that these reports might not entirely align with Flacco’s intentions.
Browns insider Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand has disclosed that Flacco is eager to gauge interest from potential suitors during the opening week of free agency, hoping for an opportunity to compete for a starting position. The NFL’s legal tampering period commences next Monday.
Grossi further revealed that Flacco remains open to a return to the Browns in a backup capacity but has no set timeline for securing his team for the 2024 season.
Regarding negotiations between agent Joe Linta and Browns general manager Andrew Berry, Grossi noted that financial terms wouldn’t pose an obstacle if Flacco isn’t assured a chance to vie for a starting quarterback role elsewhere.
Flacco notably began the previous regular season as an unsigned free agent but later joined the Browns in November. He garnered acclaim as the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year after winning four of five starts under offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
Van Pelt now holds the same position with the New England Patriots, fueling speculation that New England might target a veteran like Flacco to start the upcoming season over a potential rookie selection with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Should Flacco not join the Patriots, the Minnesota Vikings could emerge as a potential destination. With Kirk Cousins reportedly eyeing a move to the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings might seek a bridge option at quarterback.
Meanwhile, other teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears, have reportedly formulated quarterback plans unrelated to Flacco for the 2024 season.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce emphasized during last week’s NFL scouting combine that he aims to address the quarterback position with a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.
The response from the Patriots, Vikings, and other potential suitors to Flacco’s interest remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the 39-year-old quarterback is poised to gain clarity soon regarding his standing outside of Cleveland and his prospects for anything beyond a backup role.
