The Cleveland Browns surged to the playoffs in 2023 thanks to a comeback season from veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. Two years later, they are going to try and recapture that magic.
Flacco, 40, reportedly agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal to return to the Browns for the 2025 NFL season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The contract can reportedly reach up to $13 million based on incentives, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
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The veteran endeared himself to Browns fans in 2023, when he helped the team surge to the playoffs in the second half of the season. With the Browns sitting at 7-4, Flacco took over under center and went 4-1 in five starts, clinching a playoff spot. To that point, the team had not received strong quarterback play from Deshaun Watson, who had just seven touchdowns and four interceptions in six games.
A Watson injury opened the door for Flacco to move into the starting role. He performed well, throwing 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions. That magic didn’t continue in the postseason, however, as the team was eliminated by the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.
The performance marked a career resurgence for Flacco, who wound up winning the AP Comeback Player of the Year award for his late-season production. Prior to excelling with the Browns, Flacco had started just 17 games over the previous four seasons combined. He posted solid numbers over that period, throwing 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, but his days as a starting quarterback appeared to be over.
While Flacco’s stretch with the Browns didn’t earn him a starting job in 2024, he still managed to start six games with the Indianapolis Colts last season. He threw for 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in those contests.
Where does Joe Flacco fit on the Browns QB depth chart?
Flacco has a chance to see significant playing time with the Browns in 2025. While Watson is still listed at the top of the team’s depth chart, he underwent Achilles surgery in January and could miss the entire 2025 NFL season while recovering from that injury.
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The team traded for former first-round pick Kenny Pickett in March, giving them a younger option on the depth chart. If that depth chart remains unchanged, Flacco and Pickett could battle for the starting job in training camp.
There’s also a possibility another quarterback gets added to that mix. The Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could look to select Shedeur Sanders if the Tennessee Titans go with quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall.
Even if the team passes on a quarterback in the first round, it could bring in a talented passer on the second day of the draft. Flacco could provide stability at the position, but he isn’t a long-term option. Watson hasn’t been effective when healthy and is only under contract through the 2026 NFL season.
That leaves the Browns with a long-term need at the position. And while Flacco was a great story for them in 2023, it’s probably not a good idea to rely on a 40-year-old quarterback beyond the 2025 season.
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