Taking on the Deshaun Watson contract is rightfully going down as one of the worst moves in NFL history. Although the task of remedying the quarterback room is daunting, the Washington Commanders showed how much can change with one magical decision. With just a little strategy, a bit of chance, and maybe a touch of that aforementioned magic, the Browns can bounce back.
Joe Flacco Back on the Browns?
According to PFSN’s own Ben Rolfe, the best look forward might come in the form of revisiting history. One veteran who makes a lot of sense for what the Browns need to accomplish if they are going to right this ship could be none other than Super Bowl 47 champion Joe Flacco.
As part of his full NFL free agent predictions, Rolfe writes, “The Cleveland Browns are not in a great spot this offseason. Their cap space situation is bad, and there is not a huge amount they can do to open up enough space to improve this roster to the point of contending. Therefore, we could see them being very quiet in the opening phases of free agency before picking off some contributors at value later in the week.
The expectation is that the Browns will draft a quarterback, but neither Cam Ward nor Shedeur Sanders should be thrust straight into a starting role. Therefore, with Deshaun Watson likely on the shelf, why not bring back Joe Flacco and try to recapture some of that magic?
Flacco is not a sexy free agent, but he would be a solid mentor for Sanders to learn from. Flacco has been to the top of the mountain and has experience within this Browns system, both of which are valuable traits to pass on to the rookie.
Cleveland may decide to take a chance on a different quarterback to anchor them in 2025, but Flacco fits the bill better than Justin Fields and is more affordable than Russell Wilson or Sam Darnold.”
Flacco signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts last year, taking over for injured second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson in Week 4. He was officially named the starter in Week 9 but lost the following two starts.
Flacco was again sidelined for a healthy Richardson after throwing six interceptions. He suited up against the New York Giants with a possible playoff appearance on the line, but he ultimately posted two touchdowns and two picks in a losing effort.
Flacco’s Career Achievements
The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention, and Flacco is once again a free agent, but that shouldn’t overshadow his achievements, which have been plentiful throughout his career. The veteran journeyman has thrown for 45,697 yards, posting a career 105-86 win/loss record.
Aside from taking the Baltimore Ravens to a world championship, he has sniffed the promised land with other teams, most recently a Wild Card appearance with the Browns.
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As PFSN states in their official QB+ rankings, “Week 18 largely summed up Joe Flacco’s entire season. A below-average performance (-0.04 EPA/DB; 22nd) with woeful numbers when pressured (-0.78 EPA/DB; 28th) and acceptable numbers from a clean pocket (0.24 EPA/DB; 11th). Those essentially mirror his season-long trend — 0.34 EPA/DB from a clean pocket and -0.69 EPA/DB when being pressured.
While Flacco’s numbers for the season are fine, they’re not good enough to suggest he should have a starting role in 2025. If the Indianapolis Colts move on from Anthony Richardson in 2025, they need either a better short-term or long-term option than Flacco.”
Although it might not be a prediction set to take the league by storm, Flacco back to the Browns is one that holds a lot of potential for both the aging quarterback and a team that desperately needs to hit the reset button at the position.