Joe Flacco, a quarterback renowned for his momentous impact on the Cleveland Browns, will be reuniting with the team. The decision to return the veteran player to the team was reached recently, and the contract is set to last for one year. The team confirmed the news shortly after it had leaked, informing that Flacco’s return was a reality. $4 million is the value attached to the contract, though there are opportunities for Flacco to earn an additional $13 million through various incentives.
With this move, Flacco now complements Kenny Pickett on the healthy list of quarterbacks for the Browns. Pickett was procured from the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade agreement made in March. However, the Browns’ roster still misses the talents of Deshaun Watson, who is undergoing a recovery phase after suffering another injury to the same Achilles he had torn during the previous season.
During a recent gathering of the NFL owners, Jimmy Haslam, the owner of the Browns, opened up about the potential return of Flacco to a small group of sports journalists. He indicated that Flacco was one of the talents being considered for addition in the aging market. Although at that time, general manager Andrew Berry remained indecisive. In addition to Flacco, there are also rumors that the Browns are planning to draft a new quarterback during the three-day event planned later this month.
The critical question now is if the Browns will be able to rekindle the essence Flacco brought to the team during his time as the starting quarterback in 2023. His near-golden run as the starter bagged him the title of the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Can they replicate that spirit once again with him in the team?
After a season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he had a 2-4 run as the starter, replacing Anthony Richardson, the 40-year-old veteran will be returning to the Browns. His stint with the Colts saw him achieve a 65.3% completion rate, throwing for 1,761 yards with 12 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a passer rating of 90.5.
It was the decision of the Browns to seal the deal with Jameis Winston as Watson’s backup in the previous season that led Flacco to Indianapolis. However, Flacco was always open about his desire to return to Cleveland, which was evident during the free-agency period.
Flacco’s tale of his Cleveland journey is widely recognized in the sports community. Despite the fact that he was unsigned by any team during the offseason of 2023, and his first workout wasn’t until mid-November when the Browns brought him in after Watson’s season came to a halt due to a shoulder injury.
Stepping into the shoes of the main quarterback in week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams, Flacco took over from Dorian Thompson-Robinson who suffered a concussion the week before. After enduring defeat in his first match representing the Browns, Flacco was unstoppable, leading his team to victory four times in a row, each time posting over 300 yards. This string of victories was a significant contribution to the Browns eventually securing their third playoff since their 1999 season.
Nevertheless, Flacco’s performance in the AFC wild card match against the Houston Texans was less impressive. While he did tally 307 yards and one touchdown, two of his passes were intercepted and converted into touchdowns by the Texans.
Before joining the Browns, Flacco has had quite an extensive career in the NFL. In 2022, he competed in five games for the Jets, starting in four. This was his last season in New York after a three-year-long association.
He played for the Broncos during the 2019 season after the Ravens traded him at the conclusion of the training camp. Flacco’s association with the Ravens wasn’t a brief one. He was their first-round pick out of the University of Delaware in 2008 and spent 11 formative years of his career there.
During his successful tenure with the Ravens, he enjoyed two AFC North championships and was part of three AFC Championship games across six playoff appearances. His statistics as a starter are impressive, with his record standing at 105-86, and a particularly impressive 18-3 when facing off against the Browns.
In a career spanning 196 games, Flacco has thrown for a total of 45,697 yards. His touchdown record stands at 257, though he also has thrown 162 interceptions. At this juncture, Flacco’s return seems like a crucial strategic decision for the Cleveland Browns team.
The Browns’ reunion with quarterback Joe Flacco symbolizes a significant return of one of the most influential figures in the team’s league history. With this return, anticipation and expectations are high, not just within the team but also amongst fans and critics alike.
As the Browns usher in a new chapter of their legacy with the return of Flacco, questions abound about their potential and strategy. The decision’s true payoff will be evident only once the new season is underway, where the success of the Browns’ blend of experienced and fresh talent will be truly tested.