On Thursday, the Cleveland Browns finalized a one-year contract with quarterback Joe Flacco, officially concluding his stint on the practice squad. As disclosed by a source familiar with the agreement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Flacco’s contract encompasses $4.05 million in performance-based incentives.
Under the terms of the deal, Flacco stands to earn $75,000 for each of the remaining four regular-season victories this year, according to the same source. Additionally, if the Browns secure a spot in the postseason, Flacco’s incentives extend to $250,000 for a wild-card triumph, $500,000 for a divisional-round victory, $1 million for an AFC Championship Game win, and an impressive $2 million for clinching a Super Bowl triumph.
Presently occupying the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff standings with an 8-5 record, the Browns have entrusted Flacco with the starting quarterback role for the past two games. Notably, he achieved the distinction of being just the fifth quarterback in NFL history to throw five touchdown passes in his initial two games with a new team, as per ESPN Stats & Information research.
Confirming Flacco’s continued role as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in the veteran player. Flacco, who is the fourth quarterback to start for the Browns this season, succeeded Deshaun Watson, PJ Walker, and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson following Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury in late November.
While Flacco’s current deal expires after this season, making him a free agent once again, the 38-year-old quarterback expressed his desire to prolong his playing career beyond this year. Despite not receiving an offer to play this season until the Browns reached out to him in late November, Flacco emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to staying focused on the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears this Sunday.
Reflecting on his unexpected return to the field, the former Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens acknowledged the “unbelievable” nature of his comeback, emphasizing a mindset of staying in the present moment and remaining grateful while continually striving for improvement.
