Joe Flacco’s miraculous half-season as the Cleveland Browns‘ starting QB came crashing down on Saturday night when the veteran signal-caller threw two pick-sixes in a 45-14 defeat to the Houston Texans.
The Browns’ season is over, but the 38-year-old Flacco did enough down the stretch to continue his career — something he’s already said he wants to do. While he’ll likely be viewed solely as a backup, Flacco should have opportunities around the NFL.
Joe Flacco’s Top Landing Spots in 2024
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have had internal discussions about re-signing Flacco, as Armando Salguero reported in late December. Flacco completed 60.3% of his passes for Cleveland during the regular season, throwing for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His 48.4 QBR would have ranked 21st if he’d posted enough attempts to qualify.
MORE: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart
Deshaun Watson dealt with numerous injury issues in 2023 and spent the second half of the season on injured reserve. There’s no guarantee Watson will stay healthy next season.
The Browns may want to give fifth-round rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson another shot as Watson’s backup, but he looked overwhelmed in his three starts. Flacco might be a more viable option.
New York Jets
“We will put a plan in place that helps us to best succeed moving forward. I would say in terms of a veteran backup, that is a high probability.”
That was Jets general manager Joe Douglas earlier this week. New York didn’t have a workable contingency plan in place after Aaron Rodgers went down with an Achilles injury in the season opener, struggling through starts by Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian to close the season.
For the second straight year, Gang Green missed the playoffs in a year in which even league-average QB play — combined with their elite defense — probably would have sent them to the postseason. Flacco started four games for the Jets in 2022, including a dramatic come-from-behind victory against the Browns in Week 2.
Detroit Lions
Lions backup QB Teddy Bridgewater said in December that he plans to retire after the 2023 season. The 31-year-old didn’t attempt a single pass behind Jared Goff this past season; his only two snaps were kneel-downs.
Detroit figures to be among the NFC’s top Super Bowl contenders heading into next year. While Goff has been an iron man throughout his career, the Lions might not be ready to trust 2023 third-round Hendon Hooker as Goff’s primary backup next season, especially after he didn’t see the field during his rookie campaign.
Chicago Bears
Assuming the Bears trade Justin Fields and draft a quarterback prospect like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye with the No. 1 overall pick, they may want a veteran presence behind their new rookie starter.
Tyson Bagent was incredibly impressive, especially for an undrafted rookie, in his five 2023 starts. But the Shepherd University can’t offer the decade-plus of experience that a seasoned professional like Flacco could bring to the table.
Retirement
Flacco will turn 39 on Tuesday, but he sounds ready to continue his career. In fact, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported earlier this month that Flacco intends to play through the 2025 campaign.
And why not? Flacco can probably be picky with his next destination, prioritizing either playing time, the chance at another Super Bowl, or proximity to his family. He’s easily a top-30 quarterback who can still sling it, so there’s no reason for Flacco to call it quits.
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