Check out the Browns’ announcement below… On Friday, the Cleveland Browns made a historic announcement. They’ve signed a one-year deal with veteran QB Joe Flacco. Though not released by the team, industry reports have placed the financial value of the deal at $4 million. Flacco’s surprising success over his recent tenure with the Browns led to this move. He had a five-game stretch that some would consider the best quarterback performance for the team since their return to the NFL in 1999.
Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam reassured Flacco that he remains in play for them. Haslam certainly left the door open for Flacco’s future with the Browns. With the 2024 season approaching, Flacco emerges as a solid backup choice, providing reliability and experience behind the starting quarterback. His return comes on the heels of Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury, which necessitated the Browns’ search for a capable quarterback.
In his final five starts for the Bluebirds, Flacco re-asserted himself. He passed for more than 300 yards in four consecutive wins. Thanks to his impressive 4-1 record in those starts, his efforts were rewarded with a playoff berth. It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Cleveland, as Flacco’s performance would help keep the Browns in the thick of the playoff race. Despite a disappointing wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, his impact was massive.
Flacco’s career achievements further bolster his credentials. In 2023, he was given the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year after an exceptional season bouncing back from those past injuries. Flacco’s had a great run after 17 seasons in the NFL, accumulating some eye-popping statistics. In his career he has thrown for 45,697 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 162 interceptions. With his experience and veteran savvy, he is sure to provide invaluable mentorship to younger quarterbacks on the roster.
Flacco’s tenure with the Browns was short, but he explored other options from the team’s perspective as well. He notably met with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. That’s what he did when he accepted the Cavaliers offer to stay in Cleveland. He thinks it’s giving him the best shot to have a meaningful impact this season.
Flacco’s addition parallels a move made most recently by the Indianapolis Colts towards strengthening their quarterback room. Indianapolis Colts claimed him off waivers, signing Chester to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. This new move makes him the veteran handcuff behind rookie sensation Anthony Richardson. This development proves that Flacco is still a hot commodity in the league, with teams looking for his veteran leadership.
Ultimately, Joe Flacco re-signing with the Cleveland Browns is a positive move for Flacco and the franchise. As he begins his 18th NFL season, he aims to not only replicate but exceed his previous successes with the team. Flacco comes into this with a good deal of expectation, but an even better opportunity. He’s primed to make impactful contributions as the Browns seek to navigate the storms and squalls of an NFL season.
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