Facebook Pixel

Why Did the Cleveland Browns Sign Joe Flacco?

The Cleveland Browns are 7-3 in 2023 and fighting to win the AFC North. They are the fifth seed in the AFC and are only one game back in the North.

However, the quarterback position has been shaky all year. Especially when starting quarterback Deshaun Watson went down not once but twice. His season is over, and the Browns brought in Joe Flacco.

All in all, why did the Browns sign Flacco?

Why Did the Cleveland Browns Sign Joe Flacco?

The Browns officially signed Flacco to the practice squad on Nov. 20. He most recently played for the New York Jets in 2022 and is in his 16th NFL season. He was a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens back in 2008.

In his career, Flacco has passed for 42,320 yards, 232 touchdowns, and 147 interceptions. In his most recent stint with the Jets, he passed for 2,253 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions in three seasons. He had a 1-8 record as starting quarterback.

“I believe I can still play,” said Flacco. He had spent the first half of the 2023 NFL season unsigned. Flacco shared he was surprised he didn’t have more interest earlier in the season.

Deshaun Watson suffered a displaced fracture in his right glenoid in his shoulder in the first half of the Browns’ Week 10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. He received surgery, which ended his season. Additionally, he was playing through a high ankle sprain in the comeback win. “I’m still in disbelief,” said Watson.

MORE: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart

The Browns have started three different quarterbacks this season. Watson started six games, passing for 1,115 yards, seven TDs, and four INTs. Additionally, he has 142 yards and one more touchdown on the ground. The Browns are at 5-1 when he starts.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker have filled in for him, starting two games each. Thompson-Robinson passed for 295 yards, zero touchdowns, and four interceptions. Walker, on the other hand, has passed for 618 yards, one score, and five picks.

The two combine for 913 yards, one touchdown, and nine interceptions. The Browns are 2-2 in those four games. The Browns have been leaning on their defense, which is allowing an average of just 18 points per game and is ranked near the top in every metric.

The Browns traded for Watson from the Houston Texans before the 2022 NFL season. They also gave him a new deal worth $230 million over five years, fully guaranteed.

The Browns will face the Denver Broncos in Week 12, looking to keep their division push alive. The Broncos are 5-5 on the season and are actively on a four-game win streak. The game will kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX.

Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more! 

2025 NFL Mock Draft Simulator

The PFN Mock Draft Simulator features hundreds of prospects, scouting reports, and free trades -- jump into the FREE mock draft machine and get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.

2025 NFL Season & Playoff Predictor

PFSN's 2025 NFL Season and Playoff Predictor is a tool that allows you to play out various weekly scenarios to see how the NFL playoff picture changes with each scenario.

NFL Offseason Manager: Salary Cap, Free Agency, and More

Do you think you can manage your favorite team’s roster better than the real-life general managers? PFN's Offseason Manager is here to help you prove it.

Guess the NFL Player

Test your NFL knowledge with PFSN's Guess the NFL Player game, the ultimate NFL player guessing game for football fans!

Former NFL QB Reveals Bold Comparison for WR Tetairoa McMillan Ahead of Draft

Dan Orlovsky compares WR Tetairoa McMillan to CeeDee Lamb and Drake London, calling him a perfect fit for the Cowboys.

NFL Draft Rumors: Insider Reveals Steelers Are Expected To Select a QB Regardless of Aaron Rodgers’ Decision

Steelers may land Aaron Rodgers but still draft his replacement, eyeing a mid-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

What’s the Best Situation for Shedeur Sanders? NFL Draft Analyst Breaks Down 3 Ideal Landing Spots for Colorado QB

Analyst Matt Miller names Steelers, Saints, and Giants as top landing spots for Shedeur Sanders to develop into a successful NFL quarterback.

Rams 2025 7-Round Mock Draft: Los Angeles Lands ‘Outstanding Pass Protector’ and 20-TD WR For Matthew Stafford

After bringing back Matthew Stafford, the latest mock draft from PFSN gives the blueprint for the Los Angeles Rams to take the next step.
Join the Conversation!