Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco is open to the idea of being a backup next season. Flacco’s career was revitalized when the Browns called him in November after Deshaun Watson’s injury. In his regular season starts, Flacco led the team to a 4-1 record and threw for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. This helped the injury-plagued Browns secure a playoff spot. However, Flacco’s postseason performance was disappointing, throwing two pick-sixes in a loss to the Houston Texans.
Despite his playoff struggles, there should still be interest in the 39-year-old Flacco as a free agent. While he prefers to start, Flacco is open to a backup role if it’s the right situation. He acknowledges that not all backup jobs are the same, but he still wants to play games and believes he can contribute.
Flacco is aware that if he returns to the Browns, he will be a backup to Watson. The team has made it clear that Watson is their starter, and Flacco understands that. He has spoken positively about the organization and is open to the possibility of returning to Cleveland.
Bringing Flacco back as a backup could potentially create chemistry issues in the locker room. Flacco was more productive than Watson in the offense, and having him on the bench could add pressure to Watson. However, the Browns have stated that they have no concerns about this and believe that Flacco can be a positive presence in the locker room.
In summary, Flacco is open to being a backup next season but still wants to play games. If he returns to the Browns, he will be behind Watson as the starter. While there may be concerns about locker room chemistry, Flacco is confident that he can be a helpful teammate.
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The Cleveland Browns are making it clear that they are willing to invest in a veteran backup quarterback like Joe Flacco. With Deshaun Watson’s recent injury issues, having a proven veteran like Flacco on the roster should be a priority for the team. Browns general manager Andrew Berry confirmed that the backup quarterback position is one they are willing to allocate resources to.
“In the last four seasons, we have consistently invested in the backup quarterback position. Whether it was Case Keenum, Jacoby Brissett, or this year with Josh Dobbs and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, we have always prioritized having a strong backup quarterback,” Berry stated on January 22. “We believe that the backup quarterback position is one of the top 30 positions on the roster, and we will continue to carry three quarterbacks moving forward.”
Regarding Joe Flacco, the Browns are open to a reunion. Berry expressed his desire to have Flacco back on the team, recognizing him as a talented quarterback. However, he also acknowledged that there may be constraints and negotiations involved in bringing him back.
“We would absolutely love to have Joe back. He’s a good quarterback,” Berry said. “While there may be some constraints on both sides, we would have no problem with Joe returning to the team.”
Free agency is set to begin in March, giving the Browns and Flacco the opportunity to discuss their options and come to a decision.
J.R. DeGroote is a sports reporter covering the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Lakers.
