The Cleveland Browns have decided to make veteran quarterback Joe Flacco the starter come Week 1. We’re looking forward to another great NFL season! The team’s training camp was plagued by injuries that prompted widespread concerns about their quarterback depth. In doing so, they reached this decision. Quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of the season with an Achilles injury. Flacco’s veteran presence will give them the proper floor to guide them through this rapid change.
Dan Graziano highlighted the impact of these injuries on the Browns’ roster decisions, emphasizing that Flacco’s leadership and experience make him a suitable choice for the starting role. That’s why the decision to turn to Flacco should’ve been an indicator of the overall state of this team. More importantly, though, it offers a glimpse into the larger NFL quarterback market, where a significant number of teams are looking at dubious directions past the 2025 campaign.
It’s no secret that teams all over the league are in the middle of a quarterly quarterback crisis. A few of the major figures are raising eyebrows over their deals and play this season, impacting their team and future trades.
Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Situation
The Browns appeared to be facing an offseason of intense disarray atop their quarterback depth chart. Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury has knocked him out indefinitely, worsening their plight. This forced Flacco into a position that looked unlikely for him to find even after joining the team. Graziano noted that Flacco isn’t the man that he once was. His experience will be a great asset for the Browns this year, as they want to keep that success going in a difficult division.
Beyond Flacco, the team has been forced to reassess its entire depth chart. With other QBs getting hurt this summer in camp, Plan B has changed. To that end, the Browns seem truly committed to putting a competitive team on the field. Flacco’s all-important playoff experience could find them the slight edge needed to escape obscurity and become a success.
On a more immediate note, the Flacco decision has important ramifications for future roster decisions. With Watson’s long-term health in doubt, the Browns need to look at their quarterback options. Whether addressed in future drafts or via free agency, that’s where their focus should be.
Outlook for Other NFL Teams
While up in New York, as the NFL heads into their professional season, many teams find themselves in their own quarterback crisis. While many expect the Seattle Seahawks to christen Sam Darnold their new starter, he signed a guaranteed three-year deal that runs through 2027. No performance is more criticized right now than that of Darnold. He’s looking to establish his legacy with the franchise in what will be a very competitive quarterback battle.
Matthew Stafford
will be under center for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. Fans should look for him to be a key contributor moving forward and many surprises await this season! His contract includes $18.5 million in guarantees for 2026. That’s a huge indication that the team is really committed to making him a primary feature in their offense.Long-Term Considerations and Future Prospects
Squads such as the Indianapolis Colts have some major call to make on their signal-callers. Then, next May, they’ll have to make a call on whether to exercise Anthony Richardson’s fifth-year option. They need to consider his development in relation to what their roster is developing into.
In much the same way, Bryce Young’s path in the 2025 NFL season is one of the hottest topics among pundits. As a first-year player, Young displayed flashes of greatness. Perhaps for him to be safe in the league going forward, consistency is key. Justin Fields is under the microscope this year. After being chosen with the 11th overall selection in the 2021 draft, big expectations are placed on his success. In the years ahead, Fields will showcase exhilarating highs and frustrating lows as he grows into his remarkable gifts.
As they navigate these tricky circumstances, they’ll lead to other huge changes in the NFL quarterback landscape. Look for dramatic changes to take shape during the next few years. Organizations will need to balance immediate needs with long-term strategies as they evaluate their options both on and off the field.
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